Where did the shooting take place?

The shooting took place at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island.

How many victims were reported dead at the scene?

Four victims were reported dead at the scene.

Who were the deceased victims?

The deceased victims were Amos Gary, A'shan'tek Milledge, Chiraad Smalls, and Kashawn Glaze.

How many people were injured during the incident?

At least 20 customers were reported injured during the incident.

What are the current conditions of the critically injured individuals?

The status of the critically injured individuals is currently unknown.

What is being investigated regarding the shooter’s motive?

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, determining whether it was random or targeted.

Has there been previous violence at this venue?

Yes, in 2022, the venue experienced a shooting that left two people with non-life-threatening injuries.

October 15, 2025

Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island with Mass Shooting

St. Helena Island, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and over 20 injuries during a high school alumni event. Local authorities are investigating the incident’s motives, which are still unclear. Despite the presence of security, the shooting has deeply affected the community, prompting vigils and calls for justice. The previous history of violence at the venue adds to the concerns about safety in public gathering places. Families of the victims are seeking answers as the investigation unfolds.

St. Helena Island

A mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, leaving four dead and 20 injured. Local authorities reported that the shooting took place around 1 a.m. when hundreds of people were gathered at the bar for a high school alumni event.

The victims confirmed to have died at the scene were identified as:

Amos Gary, a 54-year-old man from St. Helena
A’shan’tek Milledge, a 22-year-old woman from Burton
Chiraad Smalls (also known as “Roddi”), a 33-year-old man from Beaufort
Kashawn Glaze (also known as “KK”), a 22-year-old man from Beaufort

Amos Gary was reportedly working as a security guard at the venue during the event; family described him as a “natural born protector.” At least four individuals from the injured were transported to area hospitals in critical condition, although their current status remains unknown. Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like rapid gunfire, similar to that of a machine gun.

Local authorities are still trying to determine the motive behind the shooting, whether it was a random act or targeted. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and is looking into possible connections to individuals previously arrested on unrelated weapons charges. Additionally, Maria Pinckney shared that her daughter was among those injured, sustaining a serious bullet wound.

The owner of Willie’s, Willie Turral, stated that over six security guards were present during the event, underscoring the tragic nature of this incident, which occurred despite the security measures in place. Community members have expressed their heartbreak and anger, coming together at a memorial for the victims where roses and candles were left to honor those who lost their lives.

In a related note, this incident is not the first of its kind at Willie’s Bar and Grill. In 2022, the establishment experienced a shooting that resulted in two individuals suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office initially misidentified Chiraad Smalls as “Sherrod” before correcting the name in their reports. The community is seeking answers and justice as law enforcement continues their investigation following this tragic event.

Background Context

This shooting highlights deeper issues related to gun violence in the area, which has been a rising concern for local leaders and community advocates. The frequency of such incidents raises questions regarding safety in public venues, particularly those hosting large gatherings.

FAQ

When did the mass shooting occur? The mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025.
Where did the shooting take place? The shooting took place at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island.
How many victims were reported dead at the scene? Four victims were reported dead at the scene.
Who were the deceased victims? The deceased victims were Amos Gary, A’shan’tek Milledge, Chiraad Smalls, and Kashawn Glaze.
How many people were injured during the incident? At least 20 customers were reported injured during the incident.
What are the current conditions of the critically injured individuals? The status of the critically injured individuals is currently unknown.
Was there security present during the event? Yes, over six security guards were present during the event.
What is being investigated regarding the shooter’s motive? Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, determining whether it was random or targeted.
Has there been previous violence at this venue? Yes, in 2022, the venue experienced a shooting that left two people with non-life-threatening injuries.

Key Features Chart

Feature	Details
Date of Incident	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Casualties	Four dead, 20 injured
Victims Identified	Amos Gary, A’shan’tek Milledge, Chiraad Smalls, Kashawn Glaze
Time of Shooting	1 a.m.
Event Type	High school alumni gathering
Previous Incidents	Shooting in 2022 with two non-life-threatening injuries

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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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