St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 13, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four deaths and 20 injuries during an alumni event. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as gunfire erupted. Authorities are investigating potential leads and have not made any arrests. The bar has a prior history of violence, and community leaders expressed shock and condolences in response to the tragedy.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting occurred early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill, leaving at least four people dead and 20 others injured. The incident unfolded during a large gathering for an alumni event from Battery Creek High School, with hundreds of attendees present when the gunfire erupted shortly before 1 a.m.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that they arrived at the scene to find several victims suffering from gunshot wounds, prompting a swift response to assist those injured. While multiple people were treated for their injuries, four individuals remained in critical condition following the attack. Victims and witnesses fled the scene, seeking safety in nearby businesses as the chaos unfolded.
The identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been released. The owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, Willie Turral, expressed his shock and grief regarding the incident, which has left the community reeling. Law enforcement officials are in the process of investigating the matter but have not confirmed whether the shooting was random or specifically targeted. As of now, no arrests have been made, although authorities are currently exploring leads concerning “persons of interest.”
Witnesses recounted the harrowing experience, describing the sound of automatic gunfire, which some compared to that of a machine gun. A cook from the establishment recalled hearing numerous shots and characterized the scene as chaotic. Some victims were discovered outside the bar; one was found deceased on the front steps, while others were located near trees on the premises.
Willie’s Bar and Grill, previously known as the Island Grill, has a troubled history regarding violence. This location was the site of a shooting in November 2022 that left two people injured, raising ongoing concerns about safety in the area.
In response to the tragedy, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott shared their condolences, urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward to law enforcement. The bar is recognized for its Gullah-inspired cuisine, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans.
This shooting adds to the growing concern over gun violence in South Carolina, particularly in light of a recent incident at South Carolina State University earlier this month. The increasing frequency of such tragedies has prompted calls for a more comprehensive examination of gun control measures across the state and the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island?
A mass shooting occurred early Sunday, leaving at least four people dead and 20 others injured during a large gathering for an alumni event.
How many people were injured during the shooting?
At least 20 people were injured, with four in critical condition.
What was the nature of the event taking place at the bar?
The incident took place during a large gathering for an alumni event from Battery Creek High School.
What actions are law enforcement officials taking?
Law enforcement is investigating “persons of interest,” and no arrests have been made as of yet.
Have the identities of the victims been released?
No, the identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been released.
What is the history of Willie’s Bar and Grill regarding violence?
The bar was the site of a shooting in November 2022 that left two people injured.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina |
| Date & Time | Early Sunday, before 1 a.m. |
| Number of Deaths | At least 4 |
| Number of Injuries | At least 20, with 4 critically injured |
| Event Type | Alumni gathering for Battery Creek High School |
| Prior Incident at Location | Shooting in November 2022, resulting in 2 injuries |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Beaufort County Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Shocks St. Helena Island
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
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
Additional Resources
- New York Post: 4 Dead After Mass Shooting at Popular South Carolina Island Bar
- BBC: St. Helena Island Shooting Incident
- People: 4 Killed, 20 Injured in Mass Shooting at South Carolina Bar
- The Guardian: South Carolina Bar Shooting
- CBS News: South Carolina Shooting at St. Helena Bar
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- Google Scholar: mass shooting South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: South Carolina 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.
