Hilton Head, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Former Beaufort County Sheriff’s Master Sgt. William Squires was terminated after a video surfaced showing him pointing a weapon at teenagers during an incident in Hilton Head. Squires claimed the youths displayed a firearm, a claim they and a mother denied. An investigation revealed no weapon was found, and Squires, who admitted to drinking, was suspended and stripped of his credentials. The event raises critical concerns about law enforcement accountability and appropriate use of force.
Hilton Head – Former Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires was dismissed from his position after he pointed his weapon at a group of teenagers on September 28, 2025, in the Squiresgate area of Hilton Head. This incident has raised significant public concern, especially as video footage of the confrontation circulated widely on social media, provoking discussions about law enforcement conduct and accountability.
During the incident, Squires claimed that the youths flashed a gun. However, both the boys involved and one of their mothers denied this allegation in recorded video statements made shortly after the event. The situation escalated when Squires approached the group with his handgun drawn, ordering them to get on the ground. Throughout the confrontation, physical altercations occurred, and at one stage, Squires threatened to shoot.
Following the event, Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner revealed that Squires admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the confrontation and later refused a breathalyzer test. Internal reports from the Sheriff’s Office indicated that no firearm was recovered during the investigation, confirming that Squires did not see an actual gun at any time. In response to the incident, Squires was suspended without pay, and he was stripped of his credentials, badge, and weapons.
An internal investigation was initiated, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was called in to probe any possible criminal violations. The Sheriff’s Office subsequently submitted a misconduct report declaring that Squires was terminated for “dangerous or unsafe practices involving firearms, weapons, or vehicles.” The SLED investigation will pave the way for determinations by the Public Integrity Unit (PIU) regarding potential criminal charges against Squires.
With public interest greatly piqued by the viral 84-second video documenting the confrontation, there have been warning signs about the implications for law enforcement accountability in Hilton Head and beyond. Sheriff Tanner confirmed that no further details would be released until the ongoing investigations reach a conclusion.
Squires had a lengthy career spanning 19 years with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and was known to be a member of the violent crimes task force prior to his termination. His actions have not only impacted his career but have also sparked broader discussions regarding the rules of engagement for law enforcement officials in South Carolina.
Background on Law Enforcement and Accountability
The incident involving William Squires comes amid heightened scrutiny of police conduct nationally. Public discourse about transparency, accountability, and proper use of force has been a significant topic of discussion among various communities and advocacy groups. This recent case in Hilton Head contributes to this growing dialogue as authorities reassess policing standards.
Implications for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
The firing of Squires may provoke examination and possible reforms within the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities involved will likely undergo further discussions around officer training, alcohol consumption policies, and engagement tactics with the public to prevent conflicts from escalating in the future.
FAQ
What led to the firing of William Squires?
William Squires was fired for pointing his weapon at a group of teenagers on September 28, 2025.
What did Squires claim during the confrontation?
Squires claimed that the youths flashed a gun, which both the boys and one of their mothers denied in recorded video statements.
What evidence was found during the investigation?
Internal reports indicated that no firearm was recovered during the investigation and that Squires did not see a gun at any time.
What actions were taken against Squires after the incident?
Following the incident, Squires was suspended without pay and stripped of his credentials, badge, and weapons.
What is the role of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in this case?
SLED was called in to investigate possible criminal violations related to the incident involving Squires.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: 82-Year-Old Accused of Shooting Husband
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement Accountability
- Google Search: Law Enforcement Training Reform
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.
