St. Helena Island, SC, October 22, 2025
News Summary
A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill has left the St. Helena Island community devastated after four individuals were killed and 16 others injured. The incident occurred during a large gathering and has raised concerns over gun violence in the area. Community leaders are urging residents to assist law enforcement with the ongoing investigation while holding vigils for the victims. Calls for action against gun violence are growing as the community reflects on the tragic event.
St. Helena Island, SC – An ongoing investigation into a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill has left the St. Helena Island community mourning the loss of four lives and grappling with the aftermath of the incident that occurred on October 12, 2025. The shooting, which unfolded during an estimated 500 to 700-person gathering, has garnered statewide attention due to its tragic scale.
Authorities confirm that the shooting resulted in the deaths of four individuals: Amos Gary, 54, known as “Junior,” who worked as a security guard at the bar; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, a mother of two; Chiraad Smalls, 33; and his 22-year-old nephew, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze. In addition to the fatalities, 16 others sustained gunshot wounds, with four victims reported in critical condition initially; however, two of them have since shown signs of improvement.
Details surrounding the incident suggest that the shooting was precipitated by a feud between two to three individuals, with at least two suspects identified as local residents. The initial chaos reportedly began following a traffic stop that led to a gunshot being fired, which authorities believe may not have come from the shooting suspects, but potentially from a neighbor.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively analyzing the evidence related to the shooting but has not released additional information at this time. Sheriff P.J. Tanner had earlier indicated the involvement of local residents and the ongoing nature of the investigation, with no arrests made as of the latest updates.
The shooting took place around 1 a.m. during an afterparty linked to a Battery Creek High School reunion. The bar had faced scrutiny prior to this tragic event and was previously alleged to draw problematic issues, including noise and parking complaints over the past 18 months.
In the wake of this tragedy, community leaders and law enforcement officials are urging residents to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation. Tips can be submitted confidentially to Crime Stoppers or directly to the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the FBI has established a digital media tips website for public uploads of cellphone videos and other media related to the incident, highlighting the importance of community cooperation despite some residents’ concerns about potential reprisals.
Community members have begun to hold vigils and prayer circles to support the families of the victims while reflecting on the profound impact of the shooting. This particularly affects the local Gullah population, who are mourning and seeking means to cope with the aftermath of this violent occurrence. The incident has sparked intensified calls for action against gun violence in the area, prompting local leaders to address the underlying systemic issues contributing to such violence.
As the investigation continues, the St. Helena Island community remains hopeful for justice for the victims and is actively participating in dialogues about safety and violence prevention.
FAQ
When did the mass shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill occur?
The mass shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill occurred on October 12, 2025.
How many people were affected by the shooting?
Four people were killed, and 16 others were shot, making it a significant tragedy for the St. Helena Island community.
Who were the identified victims of the shooting?
The victims identified include Amos Gary, 54, a security guard at the bar, known as “Junior”; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, a mother of two; Chiraad Smalls, 33; and his 22-year-old nephew, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze.
What has been done to help the investigation?
Community members have been urged to provide any information about the shooting; tips can be confidentially submitted to Crime Stoppers or directly to the Sheriff’s Office. The FBI has also established a digital media tips website for the public to upload cellphone videos or other media related to the shooting incident.
What are the community’s reactions to this incident?
Residents are holding vigils and prayer circles to support the families of the victims and reflect on the tragedy. There are intensified calls for action against gun violence in the community, leading local leaders to address underlying systemic issues contributing to such violence.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 12, 2025 |
| Fatalities | Four people |
| Injured | 16 others shot, with 4 initially critical |
| Victims Identified | Amos Gary, A’shan’tek Milledge, Chiraad Smalls, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no arrests made yet |
| Community Response | Vigils held, calls for action against gun violence |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Investigates Double Shooting in Bluffton and St. Helena
Investigations Underway After Two Shooting Incidents
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting on St. Helena Island Leaves Four Dead
New Elementary School Groundbreaking in Bluffton
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead at St. Helena Island Gathering
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Beaufort County Bar
Additional Resources
- WTOC
- Live 5 News
- Island Packet
- WJCL
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- Google Scholar: Mass Shootings USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: St. Helena Island shooting investigation
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.
