St. Helena Island, October 22, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill has left four people dead and 20 others injured. The incident took place during a large after-party, sparking concerns over gun violence in the community. Authorities are investigating the shooting and have called for public assistance in gathering information. While the investigation is ongoing, residents of St. Helena Island are expressing grief and fear over rising gun violence, reflecting a collective desire for safety and change.
St. Helena Island
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill on October 12, 2025, has left four individuals dead and 20 others injured. The incident occurred during an after-party attended by 500 to 700 people when gunfire erupted. Sheriff P. J. Tanner has stated that further information will be provided during a Q&A session scheduled for October 15, 2025. Currently, evidence linked to the shooting is being analyzed by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), but no new information has been released at this time.
Victims Identified
The four deceased victims have been identified as A’shan’tek Milledge (22), Amos Gary (54), Chiraad Smalls (33), and Kashawn Glaze (22). All four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Among the 20 injured, four were reported to be in critical condition initially; however, their current health statuses remain unknown as of the latest updates.
Investigation Underway
Authorities believe that the shooting may have stemmed from an ongoing feud between two or three individuals. The BCSO is actively seeking information from the community and has urged anyone with details to come forward. To facilitate this, the FBI has set up a digital media tips website to collect video evidence from witnesses and encourages the public to upload any recordings related to the incident.
Additional Incidents
On the same night as the mass shooting, two other shooting incidents occurred—one in Bluffton, which did not result in injuries, and another on Shiney Road in St. Helena Island, where a 19-year-old male was shot and is currently in stable condition. Sheriff Tanner described the shooting scene as “horrific.” Authorities criticize the rising level of gun violence in the community, particularly highlighting the issue of machine-gun incidents.
Community Reaction
Residents of St. Helena Island have expressed their concerns about gun violence, with several community members reflecting on their personal experiences with the tragedy. One mother shared her grief over losing her son to gun violence in another state. The ongoing investigation into the shooting has left many citizens worried about their safety, especially since no arrests have been made, and the shooters remain at large.
Response and Support
The investigation has drawn support from multiple agencies, including the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who are focusing on firearm-related evidence and enhancing surveillance footage. Sheriff Tanner has criticized low bonds for gun possession offenses, indicating that there is a systemic issue contributing to the rise of gun violence in the area. As funeral arrangements for the deceased are being made by their families, the community has held memorials for the victims, with public sentiment leaning toward mourning and a desire to address the culture of gun violence.
Funeral Arrangements
Families of the deceased are coordinating funeral arrangements, and community memorials have been organized to honor their memories. As discussions continue regarding the best path forward, there is a collective urge among the residents to prioritize safety and prevent future tragedies.
Key Facts Summary
- Date of Incident: October 12, 2025
- Location: Willie’s Bar & Grill, St. Helena Island
- Casualties: Four dead and 20 injured
- Victims: A’shan’tek Milledge (22), Amos Gary (54), Chiraad Smalls (33), and Kashawn Glaze (22)
- Status of Investigation: Ongoing with no arrests made
- Community Response: Concerns over gun violence
FAQ Section
What happened at Willie’s Bar & Grill on October 12, 2025?
The mass shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill resulted in four deaths and 20 injuries.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Evidence linked to the shooting is still being analyzed, and no new information has been released by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at this time.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The four deceased individuals are A’shan’tek Milledge (22), Amos Gary (54), Chiraad Smalls (33), and Kashawn Glaze (22).
What can the public do to help the investigation?
Authorities are seeking information from the community and have urged anyone with details to come forward, including uploading video evidence to a digital media tips website set up by the FBI.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 12, 2025 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar & Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Number of Casualties | 4 dead, 20 injured |
| Victims’ Ages | 22, 22, 33, 54 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no arrests made |
| Community Concerns | Gun violence and safety |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community in Mourning After Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill
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
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Two Separate Shooting Investigations Underway in Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- WJCL: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting
- Google Search: Beaufort County shootings
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- ABC News: Investigation into Mass Shooting
- 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.
