St. Helena Island, October 23, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island has left four dead and at least 16 others injured during a crowded party. Witnesses describe chaos as gunfire erupted, prompting patrons to flee for safety. The victims have been identified, and local authorities are investigating potential suspects but have made no arrests. This tragedy raises concerns about safety in the community, especially following a previous shooting incident in 2022 at the same location.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, October 15, 2025, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring at least 16 others during a crowded party. The incident unfolded shortly before 1 a.m. as hundreds of patrons gathered at the popular venue located in the Frogmore area of St. Helena Island.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort, South Carolina; Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort, South Carolina; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton, South Carolina; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island. In addition, four people were transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition, while a total of 20 individuals reported injuries, with 16 confirmed to have gunshot wounds.
Witnesses recounted a scene of chaos as gunfire erupted, prompting patrons to flee for safety into surrounding businesses and properties. Some victims were found suffering from gunshot wounds when authorities arrived. The area surrounding the bar is known for its shops and restaurants and is in proximity to the historic Penn Center.
A cook who was present during the incident detailed hearing “a lot of shots” and stated the shooting occurred outside the bar. The bar’s owner expressed that he was “still processing everything” and never anticipated such violence in what is typically a peaceful community.
As of the latest reports, the sheriff’s office is investigating potential “persons of interest” but has not made any arrests. There have been no indications whether the shooting was random or targeted. The investigation is ongoing, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has requested the public’s patience during this time.
This mass shooting marks the second violent incident at Willie’s Bar and Grill; a previous shooting occurred in November 2022 when two people were shot in the parking lot, raising renewed concerns among community leaders and residents about safety in the area. In the wake of this tragedy, local officials, including Congressman James Clyburn, expressed their devastation, calling it a “senseless tragedy,” while urging support for the victims and their families.
This shooting has sent shockwaves through the otherwise quiet seaside community of St. Helena Island, prompting discussions among local leaders about the continuing issue of gun violence in the region.
This story is still developing, and updates are expected as the investigation continues.
FAQ
- What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill? A mass shooting occurred, resulting in four deaths and at least 16 injuries.
- When did the incident happen? The shooting occurred on October 15, 2025, shortly before 1 a.m.
- Where is Willie’s Bar and Grill located? The bar is located in the Frogmore area of St. Helena Island, South Carolina.
- Who are the victims? The four deceased victims are Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, and Amos Gary.
- Are there any suspects in custody? As of now, no arrests have been made, but the sheriff’s office is investigating potential persons of interest.
- Has this kind of violence happened before in this establishment? Yes, there was a prior shooting incident at Willie’s Bar and Grill in November 2022.
- What has been the community’s response? Local leaders have expressed condolences and urged support for the victims and their families.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Mass shooting at bar |
| Date & Time | October 15, 2025, around 1 a.m. |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Total Casualties | 4 deceased, at least 16 injured |
| Identified Victims | Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary |
| Previous Incidents | Prior shooting incident in November 2022 |
| Status of Investigation | Active, no arrests made yet |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Investigates Two Separate Shootings
Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island with Mass Shooting
Community in Mourning After Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar & Grill
Beaufort County Investigates Double Shooting in Bluffton and St. Helena
Investigations Underway After Two Shooting Incidents
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Tragic Mass Shooting on St. Helena Island Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island
Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead at St. Helena Island Gathering
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- New York Times
- BBC News
- ABC News
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Google Search: Gun Violence South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Mass Shooting Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: St Helena 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.
