St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 20 others during a Battery Creek High School alumni event. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as gunfire erupted, prompting people to seek safety. Community leaders and local representatives have expressed their condolences and called for measures to prevent future violence, while the investigation remains ongoing with no arrests made yet.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A devastating mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill has left four individuals dead and at least 20 others injured during an alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School graduates early Sunday morning. The tragic incident occurred around 12:50 a.m., causing chaos among a crowd estimated to be in the hundreds.
The deceased individuals have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, and Chiraad Smalls, 33, both from Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena. Among the injured, four individuals remain in critical condition, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, which clarified that the total injured count includes the four victims who lost their lives.
Witness accounts describe the sound of gunfire resembling machine guns as attendees ducked for cover and sought shelter in nearby businesses. The bar was packed during the event, which has raised concerns about public safety in the community.
Willie’s Bar and Grill owner, Willie Turral, noted that one of the shooting victims worked as a security guard at the venue. He recounted the chaotic scene inside the bar, calling it “mayhem” as bodies lay on the ground. Turral expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the bar’s significance as a community gathering place celebrating Gullah Geechee culture.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating “persons of interest” related to the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive or any details regarding the circumstances that led to the violence.
The mass shooting has deeply affected the St. Helena Island community, known for its rich Gullah Geechee heritage. A vigil was held at Willie’s Bar and Grill the following evening to honor the victims, highlighting the overwhelming grief that has permeated the area.
Community leaders, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, have expressed condolences and are calling for action to prevent future acts of violence. Meanwhile, the Alumni Association of Battery Creek High School has not publicly commented on the incident, although the Beaufort County School District clarified that the gathering was not officially organized by the school.
Background Context
The Gullah Geechee community, which is primarily found in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, holds a unique cultural identity rooted in African heritage. Events such as alumni gatherings serve to reinforce community ties and preserve traditional customs. Incidents of violence disrupt not only the immediate safety but also the cultural fabric of such communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the mass shooting in South Carolina occur?
The mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.
How many people were killed in the shooting?
Four individuals were fatally shot in the incident.
How many people were injured during the mass shooting?
At least 20 additional individuals were injured in the shooting, with four of them hospitalized in critical condition.
What was the event that took place at the bar?
The bar was hosting an alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School graduates.
Have any arrests been made related to the shooting?
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating “persons of interest.”
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Date and Time | Early Sunday morning, around 12:50 a.m. |
| Fatalities | Four individuals |
| Injuries | At least 20 individuals, four in critical condition |
| Event Type | Alumni celebration for Battery Creek High School graduates |
| Community Reaction | Vigil held to honor victims, calls for action against violence |
| Investigation Status | No arrests made, investigation ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
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Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island High School Reunion
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County School District Statement
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- CBS News: South Carolina Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- NBC News: Victims of S. Carolina Shooting
- Google Search: South Carolina Gun Violence
- WRDW: Bar Owner After SC Mass Shooting
- Google News: South Carolina Shooting
- WJCL: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting
- Google Scholar: Mass Shootings in America
- Live 5 News: St. Helena Shooting Details
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.
