St. Helena Island, SC, October 13, 2025
News Summary
A devastating mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island left four dead and at least 20 injured. The incident occurred during a Battery Creek High School alumni event. Local officials and community leaders are expressing their heartbreak and calling for action against gun violence. Law enforcement is actively investigating the case, seeking information from the public. The bar’s owner had recently closed for safety renovations, adding to the community’s shock over the event. A vigil was held to honor the victims amidst the ongoing investigation.
St. Helena Island, SC – Four people lost their lives and at least 20 others were injured in a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025. The horrific incident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. during a party for alumni of Battery Creek High School.
Law enforcement quickly responded to multiple reports of gunfire just before 1 a.m., arriving at the scene to find a large crowd and numerous individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. The bar had been packed, with hundreds of attendees seeking refuge in nearby businesses amid the chaos.
Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and four others were transported to local hospitals in critical condition. Additional victims continued to arrive seeking treatment for various injuries. The owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, Willie Turral, confirmed that he had previously closed the establishment for renovations aimed at enhancing safety measures.
It was noted that a security guard who was hired for the event was among those killed. The Beaufort County School District clarified that the alumni event was not sanctioned or organized by the school or the district itself, and thus bears no direct responsibility.
Community leaders and elected officials expressed their heartbreak and outrage following the incident, calling for necessary changes and support for the families of the victims. The Penn Center Board of Trustees and Staff released a statement emphasizing the need to confront the root causes of gun violence in the area.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that they are actively investigating persons of interest connected to the shooting. Beaufort County officials have urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the incident to assist law enforcement.
Local council member Josh Scallate highlighted the importance of community unity and the need for proactive measures to prevent future violence. In addition, South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Senator Tim Scott shared their condolences and support for victims and their families via social media platforms.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, community members returned to Willie’s Bar and Grill to help clean up and to honor the victims with a vigil. The investigation into the mass shooting is ongoing, with an official call for public assistance to provide any relevant information.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
- Date: October 12, 2025
- Total fatalities: 4
- Injured: At least 20
- Time of shooting: Shortly after 12:30 a.m.
- Event type: Battery Creek High School alumni gathering
- Victims: Includes a hired security guard
Response and Support
- Community reaction: Heartbreak and calls for legislative action
- Official statements: Clarifications from the Beaufort County School District
- Sheriff’s investigation: Identifying persons of interest
- Public support: Encouraging community information sharing
Background Context
Mass shootings have tragically become a recurring issue in many communities across the nation. This incident serves to highlight ongoing concerns regarding gun violence and public safety, prompting many community leaders and officials to advocate for solutions and policy changes aimed at preventing such devastating events in the future.
FAQ
What happened during the mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
Four people were killed and at least 20 others were injured in a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, SC, early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025.
What time did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. during a party for alumni of Battery Creek High School.
Was the event organized by Battery Creek High School?
The Beaufort County School District clarified that the event was not sanctioned or organized by Battery Creek High School administration or the district itself.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Date | October 12, 2025 |
| Total Fatalities | 4 |
| Number of Injured | At least 20 |
| Time of Incident | Slightly after 12:30 a.m. |
| Event Type | Battery Creek High School alumni gathering |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, with law enforcement seeking public assistance |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Marine Corps Veteran Donald Ungar Passes Away
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
Student Charged After Bringing Pistol to Battery Creek High School
Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Tragic Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island
Community Remembers Beloved Residents of Beaufort
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Relieves Commanding Officer
Suspect Charged in Murder and Kidnapping Case in Sumter
Beaufort Police Make Second Arrest in Shooting Incident
Vance Boelter’s Shocking Charges: A Life Turned Dark
Additional Resources
- WTOC News
- WJCL News
- Live 5 News
- WSAV News
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Google Search: South Carolina mass shooting October 2025
- Google Scholar: Mass Shooting Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- Google News: Beaufort County Shooting
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.
