St. Helena Island, October 19, 2025
News Summary
A devastating mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 16 others during a large afterparty. Witnesses reported sounds resembling machine gun fire, causing panic among attendees. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and seeking assistance from the public, while community members rally to support the victims through GoFundMe campaigns and prayer vigils. The incident has ignited discussions about gun violence and the responsibility of law enforcement.
St. Helena Island, SC – A tragic mass shooting occurred nearly a week ago at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 16 others. Among the deceased were Amos Gary, 54, Chiraad Smalls, 33, Kashawn Smalls-Glaze, 22, and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, who were pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting unfolded shortly before 1 a.m. during a large gathering at the bar, which was hosting an afterparty following a Battery Creek High School reunion, with attendance estimates ranging from 500 to 700 people.
Four additional victims have been hospitalized in critical condition, though reports indicate that two of them are showing signs of improvement. Witnesses described hearing what sounded like machine gun fire, while the bar owner equated the noise to that of a military-grade weapon, instilling fear and confusion among patrons present during the shooting.
As of now, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has not made any arrests in connection with the incident and is actively seeking assistance from the public. Authorities have urged witnesses to step forward with any information that could aid in the investigation, no matter how minor it may seem. Early indications suggest that the shooting may have resulted from a feud involving two to three individuals, some of whom have local connections to Beaufort County.
In light of this tragedy, numerous GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support the victims and their families, demonstrating a strong sense of community solidarity. Law enforcement officials, including Sheriff P.J. Tanner, indicated that investigators are collaborating with federal agencies to examine evidence and digital media relevant to the shooting.
Community members are experiencing profound grief following the incident, and various initiatives are springing forth as residents seek ways to support one another. Prayer vigils and memorial services are being organized to honor those who lost their lives. The deceased are being remembered fondly for their contributions and roles within their families.
However, this incident has also sparked criticism directed at law enforcement for perceived failures in combatting gun violence and the perceived leniency of bond settings for individuals charged with gun possession offenses. The shooting has ignited broader discussions regarding the cultural and societal issues linked to gun violence, with local leaders advocating for strategies aimed at tackling underlying problems affecting both youth and community safety.
As investigations continue, the community remains hopeful for healing and resolution, emphasizing the importance of unity during this difficult time.
FAQ
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
A mass shooting occurred nearly a week ago at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island, South Carolina, injuring at least 20 people.
How many victims died in the shooting?
Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene: Amos Gary (54), Chiraad Smalls (33), Kashawn Smalls-Glaze (22), and A’shan’tek Milledge (22).
What is the condition of the injured victims?
Four additional victims were hospitalized in critical condition; however, two of them are reportedly improving.
What was happening at the time of the shooting?
The shooting happened shortly before 1 a.m. during a large gathering at the bar, with estimates of attendance between 500 to 700 people for an afterparty following a Battery Creek High School reunion.
What did witnesses report about the shooting?
Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like machine gun fire during the incident; the bar owner described the sound as comparable to a military-grade weapon.
Have there been any arrests made?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has not made any arrests and is asking for public assistance in the investigation, urging witnesses to come forward with any information, regardless of how small it may seem.
What is believed to be the cause of the shooting?
The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a feud between two to three individuals, some of whom have local ties to Beaufort County.
Are there efforts to support the victims?
Multiple GoFundMe campaigns have been established to support the victims and their families, highlighting community solidarity after the tragedy.
What has been the community’s response?
Community members are expressing their grief and seeking ways to support one another, including prayer vigils and memorial services for the deceased.
How are the deceased victims being remembered?
The deceased victims are being remembered for their contributions and roles within their families, with memorial services planned to honor their lives.
What criticism have law enforcement officials faced?
Law enforcement officials are facing criticism for perceived failures in addressing gun violence and for low bond settings for individuals charged with gun possession offenses.
What broader discussions have been sparked by the incident?
The shooting has sparked discussions about the cultural and societal issues contributing to gun violence, with local leaders calling for solutions to address underlying problems affecting youth and community safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Beaufort County Bar
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Multiple Casualties
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting Claims Four Lives on St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Four Lives
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort Organization Rallies Around Mass Shooting Victims
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Island Packet: Mass Shooting Incident
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- WJCL: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting Update
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence
- Bluffton Today: Sheriff’s Investigation Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- CBS News: South Carolina Shooting at Bar
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.
