October 15, 2025

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

Q: Who were the deceased victims of the shooting?

The deceased victims were: Kashawn Glaze, 22, Chiraad Smalls, 33, A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, and Amos Gary, 54.

Q: What was the atmosphere like before the shooting?

Witnesses described the scene before the shooting as 'a fantastic time' which quickly turned to 'mayhem' as attendees panicked and sought shelter.

St. Helena Island, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four deaths and over 20 injuries during a Battery Creek High School alumni party. Witnesses described a lively atmosphere that quickly deteriorated into chaos as gunfire erupted around 1 a.m. The deceased have been identified, with the investigation ongoing and no arrests made. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, prompting vigils and expressions of solidarity among residents.

St. Helena Island

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, in the early hours of Sunday, October 12. The incident took place around 1 a.m. during a Battery Creek High School alumni party, leading to a swift response from law enforcement following reports of gunfire.

Four individuals were confirmed dead, all having been struck by gunfire. The deceased have been identified as:

Kashawn Glaze, 22
Chiraad Smalls, 33
A’shan’tek Milledge, 22
Amos Gary, 54

Residents of Beaufort, South Carolina, Glaze and Smalls, along with Milledge from Burton and Gary from St. Helena, represent the tragic loss to the community. Additionally, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that at least 20 people were injured, with several victims transported to local hospitals for treatment. As of Sunday, four of the injured remained in critical condition.

The sheriff’s office is actively investigating persons of interest related to the shooting; however, no arrests have been made as of Monday, October 13. Witnesses described the atmosphere before the violence erupted as “a fantastic time,” which quickly turned to “mayhem” as patrons scrambled to find safety in nearby establishments.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officials found several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds and confirmed that hundreds were present at the bar during the attack. The horrific event has left the community in a state of fear and mourning. Residents have expressed their heartbreak over the tragedy and its impact on the tight-knit community.

Willie’s Bar and Grill is known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and serves as a local gathering place on St. Helena Island, which is home to a rich cultural heritage. The owner, William Turral, conveyed that the atmosphere was initially festive before the chaos unfolded.

This shooting follows a previous incident at the same venue in 2022, where two individuals suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Local, state, and federal authorities are collaborating in the ongoing investigation, encouraging community members to share any information related to the incident.

In the aftermath, vigils and tributes for the victims have surfaced, reflecting the community’s pain and solidarity. Congressman James Clyburn expressed devastation regarding the “senseless tragedy” on social media. Representative Nancy Mace described her feelings of being “completely heartbroken” regarding the shooting’s impact on the community.

FAQ

Where did the mass shooting occur?

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

When did the shooting take place?

The shooting took place in the early hours of Sunday, October 12, around 1 a.m.

How many people were killed in the shooting?

Four individuals were confirmed dead as a result of the shooting.

Who were the deceased victims of the shooting?

The deceased victims were:

Kashawn Glaze, 22
Chiraad Smalls, 33
A’shan’tek Milledge, 22
Amos Gary, 54

How many people were injured?

At least 20 people were injured in the incident, with several being transported to local hospitals.

What is being done about the investigation?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating persons of interest in connection to the shooting, with no arrests made as of Monday, October 13.

What was the atmosphere like before the shooting?

Witnesses described the scene before the shooting as “a fantastic time” which quickly turned to “mayhem” as attendees panicked and sought shelter.

What is the Gullah community?

The Gullah community is known for its rich cultural heritage, predominant on St. Helena Island, with Willie’s Bar and Grill serving Gullah-inspired cuisine.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
Date and Time	October 12, 1 a.m.
Casualties	4 dead, 20 injured
Victims	Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary
Injured Condition	4 critical, others stable
Investigation Status	Ongoing; no arrests made
Community Response	Vigils and tributes

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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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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