October 15, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a Battery Creek High School alumni event on St. Helena Island, leading to four fatalities and numerous injuries. Witnesses reported chaos as patrons tried to escape. The community has come together to honor the victims, sparking discussions about safety and security in the area. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, seeking individuals of interest to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

St. Helena Island has been rocked by a tragic mass shooting that occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a Battery Creek High School alumni event early on October 12, 2025. The incident has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, with at least 20 others reported injured, four of whom are in critical condition.

Authorities have identified the victims who lost their lives as Kashawn Glaze, 22; A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; and Amos Gary, 54, who was reportedly working as security during the event and attempted to protect others when gunfire erupted. The shooting began shortly before 1 a.m., and multiple reports regarding the situation flooded in to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos as patrons scrambled to escape the venue amidst rapid-fire gunfire, which preliminary reports suggest may indicate the use of an automatic weapon. The aftermath has left a significant mark on the local community, prompting discussions about safety and the presence of law enforcement on the island.

The bar, known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and as a community pillar focused on youth support, is now the site of a growing memorial, where flowers and candles have been placed to honor the deceased. Community members are coming together to pay their respects and provide information to aid the ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s office has acknowledged their patience during this difficult time.

The turmoil has impacted the Gullah community, which descends from enslaved West Africans who worked on local rice plantations. Residents are struggling to process the violence that has erupted in their usually peaceful town. A memorial gathering has been held at the site, displaying the strong sense of community as citizens honor the victims and support each other in healing.

The investigation remains active, with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office seeking “persons of interest” to further understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. As authorities work to get answers, many are left grappling with the implications of this violence and what it means for the future of safety in their community.

Key Details:

Date of Incident: October 12, 2025
Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Victims Deceased: 4
Injured: At least 20 (4 critical)

Conclusion:

The mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill highlights significant public safety concerns in St. Helena Island as the community mourns and seeks answers. The ongoing support for the victims and their families, as well as efforts to investigate the shooting, remains a top priority in the area.

FAQ Section

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island during a Battery Creek High School alumni event on October 12, 2025, resulting in four deaths and at least 20 injuries.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The victims identified include Kashawn Glaze, 22; A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; and Amos Gary, 54.

How many individuals were injured in the incident?

At least 20 other individuals were wounded during the incident, with four victims reported in critical condition.

What type of event was occurring at the bar during the shooting?

The shooting took place during a Battery Creek High School alumni event.

What is the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office doing in response to the shooting?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting and actively seeking “persons of interest.” They have received assistance from community members to gather information.

How has the community reacted?

Community members have expressed disbelief over the violent incident and have come together to support each other, leaving flowers and candles at a memorial for the victims.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Date of Incident	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Victims Deceased	4 (Kashawn Glaze, A’Shan’tek Milledge, Chiraad Smalls, Amos Gary)
Injured	At least 20 (4 critical)
Event Type	Battery Creek High School alumni event

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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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