October 13, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A disturbing mass shooting took place at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries during a crowded alumni reunion. Prominent figures in the local community have expressed their condolences and outrage over the violence. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Many in the community are grappling with the aftermath and the implications for safety.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting occurred early on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in four people dead and at least 20 injured. Among the injured, four individuals are currently in critical condition at local hospitals. The incident unfolded during a crowded private event, where hundreds gathered to celebrate an alumni reunion from Battery Creek High School.

The celebration began on October 11 and continued into the early hours of October 12. Witnesses reported that shots were first heard just before 1 a.m. outside the security barrier of the bar. Many victims and witnesses sought refuge in nearby businesses as the gunfire erupted, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, but their identities have not yet been released. One of the deceased was reportedly working security during the incident.

The sheriff’s office is actively investigating potential persons of interest related to the shooting but has not made any arrests at this time. A statement from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as tragic while requesting public patience during the ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s office is also urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in their inquiries.

Willie’s Bar and Grill is well-known for its authentic Gullah cuisine and is considered a cornerstone of the local community. St. Helena Island is notable for its Gullah Geechee culture, a unique community descended from African slaves. The trauma from this shooting event has deeply impacted the local population. The executive director of the Penn Center expressed condolences and condemned gun violence in a formal statement following the tragedy.

Local U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressed her heartbreak regarding the incident through social media, extending prayers to the victims and their families. The Beaufort County School District clarified that they did not sanction or organize the alumni event where the shooting occurred.

The aftermath of the shooting manifested outside the bar in chaos, with signs including abandoned personal items and pools of blood. Prior to the gunfire, attendees were reported to be enjoying the event, as described by bar owner Willie Turral. The investigation by the sheriff’s office is ongoing, as authorities seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Key Information

Date of Incident: October 12, 2025
Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island
Casualties: Four dead, at least 20 injured
Injuries: Four individuals in critical condition
Nature of Event: Private alumni celebration

Background of the Incident

The incident occurred during an alumni celebration from Battery Creek High School. This event drew hundreds of attendees, creating a crowded environment in which the shooting unfolded. Willie’s Bar and Grill serves as a cultural landmark on St. Helena Island, renowned for its vibrant Gullah culture.

As the investigation continues, the local community will have to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event and its implications on safety and unity within the region.

FAQ

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on October 12, 2025?

A mass shooting occurred early in the morning, resulting in four people dead and at least 20 injured.

How many people were injured during the shooting?

At least 20 people were injured, with four individuals reported to be in critical condition.

Was the event sanctioned by the Beaufort County School District?

The Beaufort County School District clarified that they did not sanction or organize the event.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Four Dead and Over 20 Injured in Mass Shooting in Beaufort County
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
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 Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Marine Corps Veteran Donald Ungar Passes Away
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
Student Charged After Bringing Pistol to Battery Creek High School

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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