St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island during a Battery Creek High School reunion, resulting in four fatalities and 16 injuries. The chaos unfolded shortly before last call at the packed venue, leaving the community in mourning. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward amid a lack of cooperation. A memorial has been established to honor the victims, raising concerns about safety in the area following this tragic event.
St. Helena Island experienced a devastating mass shooting early Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill, previously known as the Island Club. The tragedy claimed the lives of four individuals and left 16 others injured during what was meant to be a celebratory reunion event for Battery Creek High School graduates.
The shooting took place just before last call for drinks at the bar, where approximately 700 people were in attendance for the 25th anniversary celebration of the class of 2000. According to Sheriff P.J. Tanner, the incident is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between two or three acquaintances from Beaufort County.
The victims of this mass shooting have been identified as:
- Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort
- Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort
- A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton
- Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island
Among the injured, four individuals were reported to be in critical condition and were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals. Initial reports indicated that 20 people were injured, but later updates confirmed that the number was 16 wounded.
Eyewitnesses describe a chaotic scene as members of the crowd fled to nearby businesses in hopes of escaping the gunfire. Sheriff Tanner stated that the indiscriminate firing of shots within the crowded venue resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities.
Investigative efforts are currently underway, with authorities testing DNA, analyzing weapons and bullets, and enhancing video footage from the scene. The involvement of the FBI has also been solicited for assistance in video enhancement and analysis. While investigators believe they have identified potential shooters, no witnesses have come forward to confirm these details, posing a challenge to the investigation.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding the incident to report it anonymously through Crimestoppers. The lack of cooperation from witnesses has made the task of gathering evidence particularly difficult.
In the wake of the shooting, a memorial has been established outside Willie’s Bar, where community members have placed flowers, candles, and balloons in tribute to the victims. The incident has sparked significant mourning throughout the community, accompanied by calls for healing. Local leaders have expressed their prayers for those affected by the tragedy.
Local officials and the sheriff’s office have stressed the importance of constructing a solid case based on substantial evidence to prevent further victimization of the families of the deceased. This latest shooting adds to a troubling pattern of violence in Beaufort County, which includes a recent fatal shooting at Cross Creek Plaza on September 29.
Key Details of the Incident
- Incident Type: Mass Shooting
- Date: Early Sunday morning
- Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
- Victims: 4 dead, 16 injured
- Suspected Cause: Dispute among acquaintances
- Event: Reunion for Battery Creek High School graduates
- Attendees: Approximately 700
Conclusion
The mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill has not only left families grieving but also raised alarms over safety within the community. As investigators continue their work, the community remains united in mourning and hopes for healing in the aftermath of this tragic event.
FAQ
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
A mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill, previously known as the Island Club, on St. Helena Island, claiming four lives and injuring 16 others.
How many individuals were in attendance during the event?
Approximately 700 people were present at the party, which was a reunion event for Battery Creek High School graduates.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The victims have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort; Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island.
What is the current status of the injured victims?
Four of the injured victims were in critical condition and were transported to nearby hospitals.
What challenges are investigators facing?
Witnesses have reportedly declined to come forward, making the investigation challenging.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Mass Shooting |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Date | Early Sunday morning |
| Victims | 4 dead, 16 injured |
| Attendees | Approximately 700 people |
| Possible Cause | Dispute among acquaintances |
| Emergency Response | Critical condition victims transported to hospitals |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at High School Reunion in South Carolina
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island High School Reunion
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting Investigation at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Additional Resources
- ABC News: South Carolina Mass Shooting Investigation
- Wikipedia: Mass Shootings in the United States
- WTOC: Prayer Vigils Following Mass Shooting
- Google Search: South Carolina Mass Shooting
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Sheriff Update
- Google Scholar: Mass Shooting Impact on Community
- WJCL: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shootings
- CBS News: South Carolina Shooting
- Google News: Willie’s Bar and Grill 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.
