October 13, 2025

Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island

St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A tragic mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, during a crowded alumni celebration, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled for safety amidst the gunfire. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, appealing to the community for information. This event has raised significant concerns regarding increasing gun violence in South Carolina.

St. Helena Island

A mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries. The harrowing incident took place around 1 a.m. during a crowded alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School, causing panic and chaos among attendees.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple reports of gunfire just before 1 a.m. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a large crowd and several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while a minimum of 20 others sustained injuries, with four of these victims in critical condition requiring transport to nearby hospitals.

Witnesses reported scenes of panic as individuals scrambled for safety, fleeing to local businesses and homes to escape the gunfire. The terrifying sounds of what many described as machine gun-like fire added to the chaos of the situation.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with law enforcement pursuing multiple persons of interest. No information on the victims’ identities has been released as authorities await notification of next of kin.

Officials have expressed their heartbreak over the incident. Among them, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace called the event “tragic.” Willie Turral, the owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, highlighted the importance of community support in the aftermath of the shooting.

The shooting comes amid a troubling trend of gun violence within South Carolina, including previous incidents on school campuses. The circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation, as do the identities of additional suspects.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is appealing to the public for information concerning the incident, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward and assist in their inquiries.

This tragic event follows a weekend of gun violence in Mississippi, which saw nine individuals killed across multiple shootings, emphasizing a growing concern regarding gun-related incidents nationwide.

Key Facts

Incident: Mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Date & Time: Early Sunday morning at 1 a.m.
Location: St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Casualties: 4 dead, at least 20 injured
Critical Condition: 4 victims
Celebration: Battery Creek High School alumni event
Investigating Agency: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
Public Appeal: Information requested from the community
Related Incidents: Previous gun violence in South Carolina and a separate event in Mississippi

Background Information

Gun violence continues to be a pressing issue across the nation, with South Carolina experiencing a noticeable rise in such incidents recently. This mass shooting adds to the increasing concerns surrounding public safety, particularly in places that are meant for community gatherings and celebrations. Authorities are navigating the complexities of this investigation while working to provide solace to the affected families and community members.

FAQ

What was the location of the mass shooting?

The mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

How many people were killed and injured in the shooting?

Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and at least 20 others were injured in the shooting.

What event was taking place during the shooting?

The shooting took place during a crowded alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School.

What is being done about the investigation?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating multiple persons of interest related to the shooting.

Chart of Key Features

Feature	Details
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
Date	Early Sunday morning
Time	1 a.m.
Fatalities	4 dead
Injuries	At least 20 injured
Critically Injured	4 in critical condition
Event	Battery Creek High School alumni celebration
Investigating Agency	Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
Tragic Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island
Community Remembers Beloved Residents of Beaufort
Beaufort Police Make Second Arrest in Shooting Incident

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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