St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A horrific mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries during a crowded Battery Creek High School reunion. The community is in shock as investigations reveal an ongoing feud may have instigated the violence. Law enforcement, alongside federal agencies, is actively pursuing leads while calls for public assistance in identifying suspects grow louder. A community vigil is planned to honor the victims and provide support amidst this tragedy.
St. Helena Island experienced a tragic mass shooting early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 20 others. The incident occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a Battery Creek High School reunion event, shortly before 1 a.m., just 30 minutes ahead of the venue’s last call.
The victims who lost their lives in this horrific event have been identified as Kashawn “KK” Glaze, 22, and Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, 33, both from Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island.
At the time of the shooting, the bar was crowded, with around 600 to 700 people in attendance. Despite the number of witnesses present, law enforcement has reported that no one has been able to identify the shooters. According to Sheriff P.J. Tanner, the shooting stemmed from an ongoing feud between two to possibly three suspects, who are believed to be from Beaufort County. However, details about the suspects, including their number and ages, have not been released.
Law enforcement officials, in cooperation with the FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), are currently investigating the shooting to uncover more information about the circumstances surrounding the event. There has been criticism regarding the local judicial system for allegedly allowing low bonds for suspects in gun possession cases, which some community members believe could have contributed to the violence.
Sheriff Tanner has indicated that social media might play a part in escalating real-life violence, adding that the community is facing issues related to gang activity. Two out of the four critically wounded victims are reported to be recovering well from their injuries, while law enforcement is still assessing the risk to the community with potential suspects at large. Given the circumstances, Tanner stated that confirming resident safety is a challenging matter.
The owner of Willie’s Bar, Willie Turral, described the shooting as an act of terrorism, emphasizing that the shooters were not patrons of the bar. Many individuals attending the reunion managed to evade injury by fleeing to adjacent businesses as chaos unfolded.
As the community grapples with this devastating incident, officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact local law enforcement. In response to the tragedy, a community prayer vigil is planned to honor the victims and provide support to those affected.
Background
The shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill has highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence in the region, particularly in relation to the local judicial system and gang-related issues. With the reunion event drawing such a significant crowd, the incident has struck a deep chord within the community, igniting discussions about safety and the need for measures to prevent future occurrences.
The painful reality of this mass shooting echoes across St. Helena Island, prompting calls for unity and healing as residents reflect on the lives lost and the impact of gun violence on their community.
FAQ
What happened during the mass shooting on St. Helena Island?
A mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, resulting in four deaths and at least 20 injuries.
When did the shooting take place?
The shooting took place just before 1 a.m., approximately 30 minutes before the venue’s last call.
Who were the victims who died in the shooting?
The victims who died were identified as:
– Kashawn “KK” Glaze, 22, from Beaufort
– Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, 33, from Beaufort
– A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton
– Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island.
How many people were injured in the shooting?
At least 20 others were injured in the shooting.
What was the atmosphere like at the bar during the incident?
Around 600-700 people were in attendance at the bar during the incident.
What is being done to investigate the shooting?
Law enforcement officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and analyzing evidence with the FBI and SLED.
What has law enforcement said about the suspects?
Two suspects involved were believed to be from Beaufort County, but the number and ages of suspects remain undisclosed.
What are officials urging community members to do?
Officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact law enforcement.
Is there a community response planned?
A community prayer vigil is planned as part of the response to the tragedy.
