St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island has tragically resulted in four fatalities and twenty injuries, with authorities investigating the incident. Witnesses reported the sound of rapid gunfire during an unofficial alumni event. Sheriff P.J. Tanner indicated that machine guns may have been involved and called for community cooperation in identifying the suspects. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic analysis being carried out alongside SLED and the FBI, as local leaders push for solutions to prevent further violence.
St. Helena Island, SC – A tragic mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, leaving four individuals dead and twenty others injured. The incident unfolded around 1 a.m. during an unofficial Battery Creek High School alumni event attended by an estimated 500 to 700 people.
Witnesses reported rapid-fire gunshots, leading Sheriff P.J. Tanner to suspect that machine guns may have been used during the violence. The four deceased victims have been identified as A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena; Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; and Kashawn “KK” Glaze, 22, of Beaufort. Many individuals suffered critical injuries, though their current medical conditions remain unreported.
Sheriff Tanner indicated that two to three suspects, involved in an ongoing feud, exchanged gunfire in a crowded area, prompting the chaos that led to the tragic outcome. Reports confirm that approximately 20 individuals sustained gunshot injuries, with four critically hurt; several others sought medical help independently from local hospitals.
The ongoing investigation involves forensic analysis of firearms, shell casings, and DNA, conducted in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI. Sheriff Tanner has expressed concern over the lack of community cooperation, noting that despite a significant crowd, no witnesses have stepped forward to identify the perpetrators.
In addressing the shooting’s context, Sheriff Tanner pointed to the rising issue of illegal machine gun possession in the area and criticized judges for assigning low bonds to individuals charged with such offenses. Over the past 18 months, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 24 individuals for machine gun possession, with six cases pending.
Tanner specifically mentioned the prevalence of “switches,” devices enabling semi-automatic firearms to become fully automatic, further complicating gun violence in the community. In South Carolina, civilian ownership of machine guns is restricted to those manufactured prior to May 19, 1986, and conversion devices have been illegal since 1990.
With suspects still at large, Sheriff Tanner has underscored the urgency for community members to assist by providing information about the incident. The community has also called for increased resources and programs to deter youth from violent behavior.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information, including anonymous tips and any visual evidence from the night of the shooting, to come forward and aid the investigation.
FAQ
- What happened during the mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill? A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island early Sunday morning, resulting in four deaths and twenty injuries.
- When did the shooting take place? The shooting took place around 1 a.m. during an unofficial Battery Creek High School alumni event attended by an estimated 500 to 700 people.
- Who were the victims of the shooting? The four victims killed in the shooting were identified as: A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena; Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; and Kashawn “KK” Glaze, 22, of Beaufort.
- What is the current status of the investigation? The investigation is ongoing, with forensic work including the analysis of firearms, shell casings, and DNA currently being conducted in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI.
- What did Sheriff Tanner note about community cooperation? Sheriff Tanner has acknowledged the community’s lack of cooperation, stating that despite a large crowd present, no witnesses have come forward to identify the shooters.
- What issues have been brought to light following the shooting? Calls for increased community resources and programs aimed at preventing youth from engaging in violence have surfaced in the aftermath of the shooting.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Casualties | 4 dead, 20 injured (4 critically) |
| Event Type | Unofficial Battery Creek High School alumni gathering |
| Firearm Type | Potential machine guns used |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing with SLED and FBI involvement |
| Community Response | Calls for assistance in identifying suspects |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Beaufort Sheriff Calls for Community Cooperation
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Island Packet: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting
- Google Search: St Helena Island Mass Shooting
- WJCL: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting Update
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence South Carolina
- WTOC: Beaufort Sheriff’s Office Hosts Q&A on Shooting Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Sheriff Update on Mass Shooting
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.
