St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island has resulted in four fatalities and 16 injuries during a celebration for Battery Creek High School. The incident, stemming from a dispute among attendees, shocked the community and raised serious concerns about safety. Law enforcement continues to investigate, with no arrests made thus far as they gather evidence and seek witness cooperation. The local bar, known for its support of the Gullah community, mourns the loss while emphasizing the need for community improvements to prevent future tragedies.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday has left four people dead and 16 injured. The violent incident occurred during a party celebrating the 25th anniversary of Battery Creek High School’s class of 2000, which drew approximately 700 attendees to the area, with around 300 people inside the bar and 400 outside.
Initial reports suggested that at least 20 individuals were injured, but Sheriff P.J. Tanner confirmed that the number of wounded is 16. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a dispute involving two or three individuals from Beaufort County. The deceased have been identified as Kashawn Glaze (22), Chiraad Smalls (33), A’shan’tek Milledge (22), and Amos Gary (54).
No arrests have been reported so far, and investigations are ongoing. Sheriff Tanner emphasized that authorities are methodically working on the case, which includes testing DNA, analyzing weapons and bullets, and enhancing surveillance video from the scene. The FBI is also involved in analyzing the video footage to assist in the investigation. Evidence collected, including shell casings and bullets, has been sent to state agents for further forensic analysis.
Witnesses have been slow to come forward, which Sheriff Tanner attributes to concerns about potential retribution. In an effort to encourage cooperation, authorities have appealed to the public to report information anonymously through Crimestoppers. Tanner described the scene of the shooting as horrific, noting that the large crowd likely contributed to the high number of injuries and fatalities.
Willie’s Bar and Grill is known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and has served as a community pillar dedicated to supporting youth. The Gullah community on St. Helena Island has a rich history, tracing its ancestry back to enslaved West Africans who worked the region’s rice plantations. The bar owner expressed deep sorrow over the incident and highlighted the need for community improvements to help prevent such tragedies in the future.
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement focusing on building a strong case based on physical evidence rather than solely relying on eyewitness accounts. The tragic event has struck a chord within the St. Helena Island community, underscoring the pressing issue of gun violence nationwide.
Key Facts
- Incident Date: Early Sunday
- Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
- Casualties: 4 dead, 16 injured
- Suspected Cause: Dispute involving individuals from Beaufort County
- Event Type: 25th anniversary celebration of Battery Creek High School’s class of 2000
Community Reactions
Reactions from the local community have been one of shock and grief, as the bar serves as an essential gathering place supporting the Gullah heritage. The tragic event has also raised questions about community safety and the need for measures to reduce violence.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Law enforcement officials are concentrating on a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and video footage, while simultaneously encouraging community members to come forward with any information that could assist in solving the case.
FAQs
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island?
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday, resulting in four fatalities and 16 injuries.
How many people were injured in the shooting?
Initial reports indicated at least 20 injuries; however, Sheriff Tanner clarified that 16 people were wounded in the shooting.
Who are the deceased victims from the incident?
The four deceased individuals were identified as:
- Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort
- Chiraad Smalls, 33, of Beaufort
- A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton
- Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena
What is the ongoing investigation focusing on?
Investigators are methodically working on the case, testing DNA, analyzing weapons and bullets, and enhancing video from the crime scene.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Early Sunday |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Casualties | 4 Dead, 16 Injured |
| Community Event | 25th anniversary of Battery Creek High School’s class of 2000 |
| Number of Attendees | Approximately 700 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar Claims Lives
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting in the United States
- WYFF 4
- Google Search: South Carolina Bar Shooting News
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Gun Violence
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WLOS
- Google News: South Carolina 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.
