October 16, 2025

Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island High School Reunion

St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025

News Summary

A tragic mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a high school reunion in St. Helena Island, South Carolina, leaving four dead and 20 injured. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as attendees fled the gunfire. Local authorities are investigating the incident, which may be connected to ongoing feuds, and have expressed concerns about community safety amid rising gun violence. Families are calling for proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting early Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill has left four people dead and 20 others injured during a high school reunion event. The shooting occurred just after 1 a.m., shortly before the conclusion of the Battery Creek High School reunion, which was attended by over 700 individuals. Many attendees fled the scene in chaos as gunfire erupted, described by witnesses as “horrific.”

The victims have been identified as Amos Gary (54, from St. Helena), A’shan’tek Milledge (22, from Burton), Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls (33, from Beaufort), and Kashawn “KK” Smalls-Glaze (22, from Beaufort). As of Wednesday, two of the four critically injured individuals are reported to be in better condition, though many remain hospitalized.

Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner indicated that the shooting may have stemmed from an ongoing feud involving two to possibly three individuals, with the gunfire believed to have been fired from an apparent automatic weapon. Exact details regarding the type of weapons used have yet to be confirmed.

The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI, which is actively seeking multimedia evidence from the public. Sheriff Tanner has raised concerns about community safety, emphasizing the inability to guarantee safety if suspects remain at large. To date, no arrests have been made, but further updates are expected next week.

Local law enforcement reported that there have been 24 arrests for possession of machine guns in Beaufort County in the past year and a half, many of which involved individuals who have been released on low bonds. Tanner criticized the lenient sentencing for possession of illegal firearms and expressed frustration over witnesses’ reluctance to come forward due to fears of retaliation.

Witnesses have recounted the confusion and fear that enveloped the event as partygoers rushed for safety into nearby businesses and homes. The bar’s owner, Willie Turral, condemned the violence, labeling it an act of terrorism committed by individuals who did not belong to the reunion. Local community members, including family of the victims, have called for increased resources to help the youth in the area and addressed the need for solutions to prevent future violence.

This gathering at Willie’s Bar and Grill, which included a tailgate party for alumni, was not officially sanctioned or organized by the school district, raising concerns among local officials regarding safety at unsanctioned events.

The tragic incident has deeply affected the St. Helena Island community, which has expressed shock and sorrow over the senseless violence. As investigations continue, officials are looking into measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

FAQ

What happened during the shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

The mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning, resulting in four fatalities and 20 injuries during a high school reunion event.

How many victims were there?

The four victims who died have been identified as Amos Gary, A’shan’tek Milledge, Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, and Kashawn “KK” Smalls-Glaze.

What is the current status of the investigation?

The investigation involves the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI, which is seeking multimedia evidence from the public. No arrests have been made to date.

What has been said about community safety?

Sheriff Tanner expressed concerns about community safety, stating he cannot guarantee safety if suspects remain at large.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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.

Stay Connected

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit