October 17, 2025

Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Multiple Casualties

St. Helena Island, Beaufort County, S.C., October 17, 2025

News Summary

A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill led to four deaths and at least 20 injuries during an unofficial alumni reunion. Witnesses reported chaos as patrons fled for safety while the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office investigates the incident. The FBI has joined the investigation, urging community cooperation and seeking evidence, including cell phone videos. Authorities are working to identify possible shooters amidst fears of retaliation among witnesses. Public safety measures are being discussed as officials strive for justice in this harrowing event.

Beaufort, South Carolina: Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead and Twenty Injured

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island early on October 12, 2025, resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 20 others. The incident occurred around 12:49 a.m. during an unofficial alumni reunion for Battery Creek High School, where the bar hosted an estimated 100 to 700 attendees.

The victims have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort; Sherrod Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena Island. Four additional victims were transported to the local hospital in critical condition following the shooting.

Witness accounts describe a scene of chaos as patrons sought shelter in nearby businesses when gunfire erupted. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is currently investigating the shooting. As of now, no shooters have been apprehended, but BCSO believes the violence stemmed from an ongoing feud among two to three individuals present at the bar who pulled guns on each other.

Law enforcement officials have indicated they may know the identities of the shooters but are currently facing challenges with witness cooperation in confirming details. Many victims arrived at hospitals independently seeking medical attention after the shooting.

In response to the violence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the investigation, focusing on enhancing video footage and soliciting multimedia evidence from the public, including cellphone videos that may have captured the calamity. Meanwhile, investigators are meticulously analyzing firearms, shell casings, and other evidence collected from the scene.

Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner characterized the shooting as “chaotic,” “horrific,” and “senseless,” expressing the urgent need for public safety measures until the suspects are apprehended. Over the last 18 months, BCSO has made a total of 24 arrests for possession of a machine gun, with many suspects being released on low bond amounts.

Authorities have underscored the importance of community cooperation in the investigation, highlighting that witness reluctance to cooperate may be fueled by fear of retaliation. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, directing tips to Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418.

As the investigation unfolds, updates are expected in the following weeks, with officials striving to ensure safety and justice in the wake of this tragic event.

FAQ

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries.

When did the shooting take place?

The shooting occurred on October 12, 2025, around 12:49 a.m.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The victims who died were identified as Kashawn Glaze, Sherrod Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, and Amos Gary.

What is the investigation status?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and may know the identities of the shooters but lacks witness cooperation.

Is the FBI involved?

Yes, the FBI is assisting in the investigation by enhancing video footage and seeking multimedia from the public.

Why is witness cooperation an issue?

Witness reluctance to cooperate may be driven by fear of retaliation.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Date of Incident	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, Beaufort County, S.C.
Fatalities	4
Injuries	At least 20
Notable Victims	Kashawn Glaze, Sherrod Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary
Investigation	Ongoing by BCSO with assistance from the FBI
Community Response	Need for cooperation emphasized

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Mass Shooting Claims Four Lives on St. Helena Island
USCB Receives $3.8 Million Grant to Tackle Nursing Shortage
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at High School Reunion in South Carolina
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead

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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