St. Helena Island, SC, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A tragic mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, resulting in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries during an alumni event. Witnesses reported a scene of chaos as gunfire broke out, leading to a hurried evacuation. The victims, aged 22 to 54, were pronounced dead at the scene. Security measures were in place, yet the shooting raised serious concerns about public safety at social events. An ongoing investigation seeks answers, while the community mourns and calls for enhanced security.
St. Helena Island, SC – A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning has resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries. The incident took place just before 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025, during an alumni event for Battery Creek High School. However, the event was not organized or sanctioned by the school district.
Upon receiving multiple reports of a shooting, law enforcement responded promptly, with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) announcing an increased presence in the area by 5:51 a.m. They confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public. By 9:04 a.m., the BCSO reported that “hundreds of people” were present at the bar during the shooting, leading to increased concern over crowd safety.
Tragically, four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were transported to local hospitals in critical condition. The victims identified as deceased are:
- Kashawn Glaze, 22
- A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22
- Chiraad Smalls, 33
- Amos Gary, 54
The BCSO later clarified that a total of 20 victims emerged from the incident, with four fatalities confirmed. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as rapid-fire gunshots erupted. Panic ensued as partygoers attempted to flee, with some injuries resulting from gunfire while others occurred during the chaotic escape. Reports detail harrowing accounts of individuals sustaining serious injuries, including one victim shot in the chin and another with a gunshot wound that penetrated her intestines.
At the time of the shooting, security measures were in place at Willie’s Bar and Grill, as several security guards were checking identification and patting down attendees for weapons. Despite these efforts, the shooting still resulted in significant casualties. Currently, the investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement seeking information from the public. No arrests have been made, but questions are being raised about possible connections to a jailed individual facing unrelated weapons charges.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, community members are grieving and have formed memorials in front of Willie’s Bar and Grill to honor the deceased. Local residents have voiced their concerns regarding safety measures and the need for increased patrols following the incident. The desire for enhanced security reflects a community wish to prevent such violence from occurring in the future.
Investigation Details
The ongoing investigation aims to gather further insight into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are reaching out to the community for assistance in piecing together the timeline and any motives behind the act of violence. As they continue to assess the landscape of the situation, the community’s response and safety will remain a priority for all involved.
Context of the Incident
This tragic event highlights concerns about public safety at social gatherings. With the rise in gun violence across the United States, incidents like this one prompt discussions about the effectiveness of security protocols and the need for comprehensive measures to ensure safety at public venues. The devastation felt by individuals affected by this shooting underscores the far-reaching impact such violence has, not only on victims and their families but on entire communities.
Conclusion
As the community works through the aftermath of this incident, the focus on healing and remembrance remains paramount. Efforts are being made by citizens to come together in solidarity to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.
FAQ Section
What time did the shooting occur at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025.
How many fatalities and injuries were reported from the incident?
Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while at least 20 others were injured.
Who were the victims identified as deceased?
The victims identified as deceased were: Kashawn Glaze, 22; A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; and Amos Gary, 54.
What security measures were in place at the bar during the shooting?
The bar is reported to have had several security guards present at the time of the shooting, tasked with checking identification and patting down attendees for weapons.
Is there any indication of arrests being made related to the shooting?
The investigation is ongoing, with no arrests made yet. The BCSO is seeking information from the public.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 12, 2025 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Total Fatalities | 4 |
| Total Injuries | 20 |
| Victims Identified as Deceased | Kashawn Glaze, A’Shan’tek Milledge, Chiraad Smalls, Amos Gary |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no arrests made |
| Community Response | Increased safety measures desired, memorials formed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Four Killed in Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting in South Carolina Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- WTOC
- Google Search: St Helena Island mass shooting
- WJCL
- Google Scholar: St Helena shooting 2025
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Your Island News
- Google News: St Helena Island 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.
