St. Helena Island, October 19, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island led to four fatalities and 16 injuries early Sunday morning. The incident occurred during an afterparty for Battery Creek High School’s reunion, with the victims identified and an ongoing investigation by local authorities and the FBI. Community members remain in shock as they cope with the tragedy, which highlights rising concerns about gun violence and public safety in the area.
St. Helena Island experienced a tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, leading to four fatalities and 16 others injured. The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. in the bar’s parking lot, where approximately 500 to 700 people had gathered for an afterparty following a Battery Creek High School reunion.
The four victims pronounced dead at the scene were identified as Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena; Chiraad Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, 22, of Beaufort; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton. Among the injured, four individuals were hospitalized in critical condition, though two are now reportedly improving.
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner indicated that the shooting resulted from an ongoing feud among individuals familiar with one another in the area. As of Wednesday, no arrests or charges had been made in connection with the shooting. Tensions were evident as community members hesitated to provide information to law enforcement due to fears of retribution.
In response to the tragedy, the FBI launched a dedicated tip website, urging the public to submit cellphone videos and recordings from the night of the incident. Sheriff Tanner added that selected evidence, including shell casings and firearms, is currently being examined by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI. Witness accounts described the gunfire as resembling that of a machine gun, and Sheriff Tanner noted the rising issue of machine guns in the community, linked to previous offenders of firearm possession being granted low bonds.
The St. Helena Island community is in a state of shock following the shooting, which has profoundly impacted this historically significant Gullah community, known for its rich cultural roots. In the wake of this tragedy, community vigils and prayer services have been organized to facilitate grieving and healing.
Concerns regarding safety in Beaufort County have been heightened due to the increasing prevalence of young people carrying firearms. Local officials and residents are engaged in discussions focused on the necessity for action to combat the escalating gun violence and its ramifications on the community’s future. With funeral arrangements for the victims already being announced, celebrations of life are planned for the coming days. Community leaders have expressed determination to reclaim the safety and spirit of St. Helena Island in the aftermath of this devastating event.
FAQs
What happened during the mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, in the early hours of Sunday, resulting in four deaths and 16 injuries.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The four victims pronounced dead at the scene were identified as: Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena; Chiraad Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, 22, of Beaufort; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Sheriff P.J. Tanner of Beaufort County stated that the shooting stemmed from an ongoing feud among individuals who grew up in the area. As of Wednesday, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed in connection to the shooting.
What efforts are being made to address the community’s safety concerns?
Local officials and residents are discussing the need for action against growing gun violence and its impact on the community’s future.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Date | Early Sunday morning, just before 1 a.m. |
| Casualties | 4 deaths, 16 injuries |
| Victims | Amos Gary, Chiraad Smalls, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, A’shan’tek Milledge |
| Investigation Status | No arrests or charges as of Wednesday |
| Community Response | Vigils and prayer services organized |
| Concerns | Increasing gun violence and young people carrying firearms |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Multiple Casualties
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting Claims Four Lives on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar Claims Lives
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Loved Ones Remember St. Helena Shooting Victim
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- Island Packet: Community News on Beaufort
- Google Search: St Helena Island Mystery
- WLOS: Investigation into South Carolina Mass Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- WTOC: GoFundMe Created for Mass Shooting Victims
- Google News: St Helena Island 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.
