St. Helena Island, SC, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill resulted in four fatalities and over twenty injuries as gunfire erupted during a crowded event. Witnesses reported chaos and panic as patrons sought refuge in nearby businesses. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which may have stemmed from a feud among attendees. This shooting emphasizes growing concerns over gun violence in the community as law enforcement calls for witnesses to come forward.
St. Helena Island, SC – A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning has left four individuals dead and at least 20 others injured. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received multiple emergency calls reporting the incident just before 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025, as the bar was hosting a packed event attended by hundreds.
Emergency responders found four victims pronounced dead at the scene, with several others suffering critical injuries. The deceased have been identified as Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton; Chiraad “Roddi” Smalls, 33, from Beaufort; and Kashawn “KK” Smalls-Glaze, 22, also from Beaufort. Some injured individuals sought treatment on their own at nearby hospitals.
As panic ensued during the gunfire, victims and witnesses fled the scene, taking refuge in local businesses and homes to escape the chaos. Reports indicate that the shooting may have stemmed from an ongoing feud between two to three individuals in the crowd, which escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
In response to the mass shooting, law enforcement officials have opened an investigation and are currently pursuing “persons of interest.” The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office stated that it is working in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the FBI to gather further evidence and secure information about the shooters. Sheriff P.J. Tanner has highlighted an alarming trend in gun violence within Beaufort County, expressing concerns over previous cases where suspects received low bonds.
Witnesses described hearing rapid-fire shots that resembled an automatic weapon, with many hesitant to come forward due to fear of retribution. In light of these obstacles, law enforcement has issued a call for witnesses to step forward, while the FBI has created a tips website for the public to submit anonymous multimedia recordings of the incident.
The aftermath of this shooting follows a weekend of heightened gun violence, particularly in Mississippi where nine people were killed in separate incidents. Sheriff Tanner noted that, despite ongoing investigations, no charges have been filed yet regarding the mass shooting, although they are working meticulously to identify suspects through the physical evidence gathered at the scene.
The owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill condemned the shooters, referring to them as “terrorists” who specifically targeted a crowded venue. As the community grapples with this tragedy, tensions are rising, and the local populace continues to seek answers and reassurance regarding safety in the area.
Timeline of Events
- October 12, 2025, 12:55 a.m. – Multiple reports of gunfire at Willie’s Bar and Grill.
- 1:00 a.m. – Emergency responders arrive; four individuals are declared dead at the scene.
- 1:30 a.m. onwards – Injured parties begin arriving at local hospitals, some independently.
- Ongoing – Investigation involving local law enforcement and FBI continues to gather evidence and identify suspects.
This tragic incident highlights the urgent issue of gun violence, as communities work tirelessly to combat and understand its growing prevalence. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging the public for assistance in solving this grievous crime.
FAQ
What caused the mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
The shooting appears to have been triggered by an ongoing feud between some individuals present in the crowd, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
How many individuals were injured during the shooting?
At least 20 individuals sustained injuries during the shooting, with several reported in critical condition.
What is being done to investigate the shooting?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the FBI, is actively investigating the incident. They are currently seeking witnesses and any multimedia recordings of the event.
Have there been any arrests made in connection with the shooting yet?
As of now, no arrests or charges have been made regarding the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island |
| Date and Time | October 12, 2025, at 1:00 a.m. |
| Deaths | 4 |
| Injuries | 20+ |
| Victims Identified | Amos Gary, A’shan’tek Milledge, Chiraad Smalls, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no arrests made |
| Community Impact | Increased tensions and fears regarding safety |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Mass shooting
- WJCL
- Google Search: St. Helena Island mass shooting
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Gun violence in South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence
- Bluffton Today
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff update
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.
