St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island left four people dead and at least 20 injured during a Battery Creek High School alumni event. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with gunfire erupting suddenly amidst a sizable crowd. Investigations are ongoing, and local authorities are seeking information from witnesses as they work to identify the shooters.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries during a Battery Creek High School alumni event. The emergency unfolded shortly before 1 a.m. when gunfire erupted amidst a gathering estimated to have hundreds of attendees.
Authorities reported that four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased included Kashawn Glaze, 22, and Chiraad Smalls, 33, both from Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena. In addition, 20 others suffered injuries, four of whom were reported in critical condition and were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
The eruption of violence resulted in chaos, with many patrons fleeing to adjacent businesses for safety. Witness accounts describe a scene of panic as music filled the air moments before the gunfire began. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident and believes they know the identity of the shooters, though no arrests have been made at this time. Investigators are reaching out to potential witnesses for additional information.
Lieutenant Daniel Allen has indicated that tensions between various groups in attendance may have contributed to the shooting. Responding to the crisis were multiple law enforcement agencies, area fire departments, and emergency medical services (EMS), which assisted on the scene.
The bar’s owner, William Turral, characterized the event as “mayhem.” Initially, the alumni gathering was a festive occasion, filled with joy before the sudden violence disrupted it. Sheriff P.J. Tanner underscored the tragedy’s toll on the local community and has asked for patience as thorough investigations are underway. Officials have affirmed that no connections have been confirmed between the event and Battery Creek High School or the Beaufort County School District, which has distanced itself from the incident.
In the aftermath of the shooting, local residents have left votive tributes outside the bar to honor the victims and express their grief. The sheriff’s office is actively urging community members to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior or information related to the ongoing investigation. Tips can be submitted through various channels, including confidential options for anonymity.
Key Facts Recap
- Date: October 12, 2025
- Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
- Fatalities: 4 (Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary)
- Injuries: 20 (4 critical)
- Event: Battery Creek High School alumni gathering
Background
The shooting incident highlights ongoing concerns related to gun violence within communities. Public safety officials and law enforcement agencies across the nation continue to address the issue, working on preventive measures and responses to tragic occurrences like this. Community reactions to the St. Helena Island shooting reflect a mix of shock and a collective mourning for those lost and injured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on October 12, 2025?
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries during a Battery Creek High School alumni event.
How many people were killed and injured in the mass shooting?
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and 20 others were injured, with four individuals initially reported in critical condition.
What are the authorities doing regarding the investigation?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and believes they know the identity of the shooters but no arrests have been made. They are seeking further information from witnesses.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 12, 2025 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina |
| Fatalities | 4 |
| Injuries | 20 |
| Event Type | Battery Creek High School alumni gathering |
| Response | Multiple law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS |
| Community Reaction | Sorrow and tributes outside the bar |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mass Shooting Investigation at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting in St. Helena Island Bar
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island with Mass Shooting
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Community in Shock
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- WTOC
- NBC News
- Fits News
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Shooting South Carolina
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.
