October 24, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, October 24, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and 16 injuries during a large afterparty. The incident shocked the local community, raising concerns about gun violence and venue safety. Eyewitnesses described the gunfire as intense, and investigations are ongoing with no arrests made yet. Local leaders are calling for discussions on rising gun violence while community members hold a vigil to honor the victims.

St. Helena Island

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulting in four fatalities and 16 injuries. The incident happened just before 1 a.m. during an afterparty that drew an estimated 500 to 700 people celebrating the conclusion of a nearby Battery Creek High School reunion.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that multiple reports of gunfire were received, and the shooting was officially acknowledged by 9 a.m. The deceased victims have been 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, although two have since shown signs of improvement.

The violence erupted in a community space usually characterized by a family-friendly atmosphere. Eyewitness accounts describe the sound of the gunfire as reminiscent of a machine gun, leaving many attendees in shock. Despite community speculation, Sheriff P.J. Tanner indicated that no arrests have been made related to the shooting, although an investigation involving various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, is underway. Preliminary investigations suggest that the gunfire may have been connected to an ongoing feud involving two to three individuals, at least two of whom grew up in Beaufort County.

The event at Willie’s Bar and Grill was not sanctioned by the Beaufort County School District, raising questions about security and oversight at the venue. There have been concerns regarding the bar’s history, as it has reportedly attracted issues over the past year. This shooting has left the community deeply shaken, prompting local leaders to call for discussions about rising gun violence and the underlying systemic issues that may contribute to such tragedies.

In the wake of the shooting, a vigil has been organized by community members to honor the victims and offer support to their families. Memorial services have been scheduled for those who lost their lives, and a makeshift memorial has been erected at the site of the incident. Residents are grappling with grief and are actively seeking ways to cope with the implications of this senseless act of violence. Local leaders continue to emphasize the importance of addressing these issues to foster a safer environment for future gatherings.

Summary of Key Facts

Event: Mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Date: Early Sunday morning, just before 1 a.m.
Location: St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Fatalities: 4 (Amos Gary, Chiraad Smalls, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, A’shan’tek Milledge)
Injuries: 16 (4 hospitalized in critical condition)
Estimated Attendance: 500 to 700 people
Investigation: Ongoing with no arrests made yet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened during the mass shooting on St. Helena Island?

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in four fatalities and 16 injuries.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The deceased victims are identified as Amos Gary, Chiraad Smalls, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, and A’shan’tek Milledge.

How many people were injured in the shooting?

There were 16 injuries reported, with four individuals hospitalized in critical condition.

What was the cause of the shooting?

The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a feud between two to three individuals.

Is there an ongoing investigation related to the shooting?

Yes, various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are involved in the investigation.

Investigation Overview

Feature	Details
Date of Incident	Early Sunday morning, just before 1 a.m.
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
Casualties	4 dead, 16 injured
Investigation Status	Ongoing with no arrests made yet
Community Response	Vigil held, memorial established

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort, South Carolina Hosts Living History Reenactment
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Beaufort Community Mourns Loss of Local Figures
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Beaufort County Investigates Two Separate Shootings
Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island with Mass Shooting
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

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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