Beaufort County, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in Beaufort County resulted in four deaths and more than 20 injuries during an alumni party. The bar owner reported automatic gunfire, causing panic. Emergency responders quickly arrived, but four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is under investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, which is urging the public for information. Community leaders have expressed their condolences and concern over the violence recurring at this location.

Beaufort County, SC: Four Dead and Over 20 Injured in Mass Shooting at Alumni Party

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, early Sunday morning, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries. The incident took place shortly before 1 a.m. during an alumni party for Battery Creek High School attended by hundreds of people.

Willie Turral, the bar owner, reported hearing what he believed were automatic gunfire, causing panic among the attendees. Many rushed inside the establishment seeking safety as chaos ensued outside. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene and began administering CPR to victims in the bar’s parking lot.

In total, four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, including a security officer who was known personally to Turral. At least 20 other individuals sustained injuries, with four reported in critical condition. Victims were transported to nearby hospitals, with some seeking treatment independently.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received several calls about the gunfire, prompting a swift response. Deputies encountered a large crowd and multiple victims upon arrival. The area around the bar has since been closed off as authorities conduct their investigation.

Following the tragic event, the staff of Willie’s Bar and Grill held a vigil to honor the victims. Turral stated that his priority is now to support the families of the victims and his staff. He mentioned the establishment had undergone recent renovations, and there were no warning signs leading up to the shooting.

This incident is currently under investigation, with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office appealing for information from the public. The bar has a history of previous incidents, including a shooting that occurred in November 2022. Community leaders, including members of the Penn Center Board of Trustees, have expressed their condolences and concerns regarding the event.

The motives behind the shooting are still unclear, and the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to gather more information.

Key Details of the Incident

• Date: Early Sunday morning, shortly before 1 a.m.
• Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
• Reported Casualties: Four confirmed dead, over 20 injured
• Critical Injuries: Four individuals
• Event: Alumni party for Battery Creek High School

Investigation Status

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the shooting. They are requesting information from the community to aid in their inquiries.

Historical Context

Willie’s Bar and Grill has been the site of violence in the past, including a shooting incident in November 2022. Following this latest tragic event, the establishment’s future remains uncertain as the community grapples with the implications of such violence.

Community Response

Local leaders and community members have expressed their condolences and support for the victims and their families. It is clear that the community is in mourning and seeks answers and solutions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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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 Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Marine Corps Veteran Donald Ungar Passes Away
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
Student Charged After Bringing Pistol to Battery Creek High School
Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Tragic Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island
Community Remembers Beloved Residents of Beaufort

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• Wikipedia: Mass Shootings in the United States
• WTOC
• Google Search: Beaufort County shooting
• WSAV
• Google Scholar: Mass shooting South Carolina
• ABC News 4
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
• Island Packet
• Google News: Beaufort County 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.