October 16, 2025

Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives

St. Helena Island, October 16, 2025

News Summary

A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and 20 injuries during an alumni event. Law enforcement is investigating the incident, which seems to stem from a personal feud. The community is grappling with the aftermath and calling for safety measures to combat gun violence.

St. Helena Island experienced a tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, leading to four fatalities and injuring 20 others. The incident took place just before 1 a.m. during an unofficial alumni event for Battery Creek High School, where hundreds of attendees were present.

The victims who lost their lives in this horrific event have been identified as:

Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort
Sherrod Smalls, 33, of Beaufort
A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton
Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena Island

Among the injured, four individuals were reported to be in critical condition, while others received medical attention through Emergency Medical Services or made their way to hospitals independently. Witnesses have described a chaotic scene, with many individuals fleeing to nearby businesses to escape the gunfire.

According to Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner, the violence has roots in a feud involving two to possibly three individuals. However, no witnesses have come forward to confirm any details related to the suspects. Law enforcement believes they have identified the shooters, who are believed to be familiar with the area, but no arrests have yet been made.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively assisting in the investigation, which includes enhancing video footage from the bar and analyzing evidence pertinent to the shooting. The sheriff’s office is also examining firearms, shell casings, and other materials to help identify and charge those responsible.

Despite ongoing investigations, Sheriff Tanner noted he could not guarantee the public’s safety as the suspects remain at large. Witnesses have reported hearing rapid-fire gunshots, indicating the possible use of automatic weapons during the attack.

The shooting has triggered serious discussions within the community regarding safety and the necessity for preventive measures to combat gun violence. Community members have expressed their concerns about engaging youth and the need for effective programs that address violence and instability in the area. Sheriff Tanner has criticized low bonds for suspects in gun possession cases, asserting that such policies contribute to the cycle of violence.

A press conference was held on Wednesday to provide updates regarding the ongoing investigation, with further details anticipated shortly. Following the incident, community members have articulated their grief and frustration during public discussions, stressing the urgent need for additional resources and support targeted at local youth.

FAQs

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, resulting in four deaths and 20 injuries during an unofficial alumni event.

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The deceased victims are 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.

What is being done to investigate the shooting?

The FBI is assisting in the investigation, focusing on enhancing video footage and analyzing evidence, while the sheriff’s office is examining firearms and shell casings to identify suspects.

Are the suspects in custody?

As of now, no arrests have been made. Law enforcement believes they have identified the suspects, who are familiar with the local area.

What concerns have emerged from the community after the shooting?

The shooting has led to discussions about community safety, the need for preventive measures against gun violence, and additional resources to engage youth and reduce instability.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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
Mass Shooting Investigation at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting in St. Helena Island Bar
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island with Mass Shooting
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island

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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