St. Helena Island, October 13, 2025
News Summary
A horrific mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring at least twenty others. The incident happened during an alumni party for Battery Creek High School, where chaos erupted as gunfire shattered the festivities. Emergency responders found a scene filled with panic and casualties, prompting an active investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, which is searching for persons of interest. This tragic case is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence in the United States.
St. Helena Island witnessed a tragic mass shooting early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring at least twenty others. The incident took place at Willie’s Bar and Grill around 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025, where patrons were attending an alumni party for Battery Creek High School. Gunfire erupted rapidly, causing chaos as customers fled for safety.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that hundreds of patrons were present at the bar when the shooting occurred. Emergency responders arrived to find a large crowd, including several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Sadly, four deceased victims were located on the scene: one at the bar’s front steps, others in front of the establishment, and one by a tree on the property. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families.
At least twenty patrons sustained injuries during the shooting, with four victims in critical condition and requiring hospitalization. Many witnesses and victims sought shelter in nearby businesses and properties amid the chaos of the incident. Multiple reports of gunfire were received shortly before the event, and the Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating “persons of interest,” although no arrests have yet been made.
The bar’s owner, Willie Turral, expressed disbelief at the tragic events, stating that he had previously implemented greater security precautions ahead of the alumni party. He described the atmosphere before the shooting as lively, with patrons enjoying themselves. Witnesses reported hearing sounds of automatic gunfire, likening it to a machine gun, which contributed to the panic at the scene.
This latest incident marks the second reported shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill; a previous shooting occurred in November 2022, resulting in injuries to two individuals. The area, known as Frogmore, functions as a commercial hub on St. Helena Island, located between Beaufort and Hunting Island State Park. St. Helena Island is part of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, recognized for its rich history and culture.
The Sheriff’s Office has committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting. In light of the incident, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressed her condolences and sorrow on social media, reflecting the wider community’s shock. Following the shooting, police tape was visible outside the bar as the area was secured for investigation.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing concerns over gun violence in the United States, with the Gun Violence Archive reporting over 336 mass shootings in 2025 alone.
FAQ
When did the shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill occur?
The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025.
How many people were injured or killed in the shooting?
Four people were killed, and at least twenty sustained injuries, with four in critical condition.
What was happening at the bar during the shooting?
The shooting happened during an alumni party for Battery Creek High School.
What are the key concerns raised by this shooting?
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over gun violence in the United States.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Date and Time | October 12, 2025, around 1 a.m. |
| Casualties | 4 deceased, at least 20 injured |
| Event Type | Battery Creek High School alumni party |
| Investigation Status | Active, with no arrests made yet |
| Previous Incidents | Another shooting occurred on the premises in November 2022 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Four Dead and Over 20 Injured in Mass Shooting in Beaufort County
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island
- BBC News
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence
- WTOC
- Google News: South Carolina mass shooting
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.
