October 13, 2025

Beaufort County Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 injuries. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident that unfolded during a crowded event, leading to calls for community action and greater safety measures. Leaders in the area are advocating for justice for the victims and discussing necessary strategies against gun violence.

Beaufort County Reports Deadly Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulted in the tragic loss of four lives and left at least 20 others injured early on October 12, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m., when a large crowd was present at the bar for an event, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to several reports of gunfire just before 1 a.m., arriving at the scene to find numerous individuals wounded. Among the deceased was a security guard employed for the event at the establishment. Four victims were declared dead at the scene, while four others were reported to be in critical condition at local hospitals. Some additional victims sought treatment for their injuries in various area hospitals.

The chaotic scene prompted victims and witnesses to flee to nearby businesses for safety from the gunfire. In response to the tragedy, the bar’s owner had previously shut down Willie’s Bar and Grill for renovations intended to mitigate violence within the facility.

Community Leaders Call for Action

Local leaders have expressed deep concerns regarding the shooting and its impact on the community. Beaufort City Councilman Josh Scallate remarked that the community is reeling from the devastation and has advocated for prioritizing safety over political disagreements. Similarly, Beaufort County Commissioner York Glover called for the immediate closure of the bar and urged law enforcement to seek justice for the victims.

South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace expressed her heartbreak over the tragedy, encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the authorities. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott extended his prayers for the victims and their grieving families. The Penn Center Board of Trustees and Staff have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the community and have emphasized the need for decisive actions against gun violence.

Investigation Underway

The Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the shooting and has urged the community for patience as they work through the details. In the aftermath of the event, roads surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive were closed while law enforcement conducted their investigation. The identities of the victims have yet to be publicly released.

Community Response

In response to the shooting, community members organized a vigil at Willie’s Bar and Grill to honor those who lost their lives. Local leaders and residents are calling for unity within the community and are discussing strategies to address the root causes of gun violence. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting any information related to the shooting to be directed to Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan, or tips may also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Summary of the Incident

Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Casualties: 4 killed, at least 20 injured
Investigation: Ongoing, with a call for public assistance

Contact Information

The community is encouraged to reach out with any information regarding the incident. Contact details for the Sheriff’s Office and public safety avenues are readily available for those who wish to contribute to the investigation.

FAQ

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, early in the morning on October 12, 2025.

How many people were affected by the shooting?

The mass shooting resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left at least 20 others injured.

Was anyone apprehended in connection to the shooting?

The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office has urged the community for patience as they work through the details.

What has been the community’s response to the tragedy?

Community members organized a vigil to honor those who lost their lives in the shooting and have called for unity and strategies to address gun violence.

Who can the public contact for further information?

Anyone with information about the shooting is requested to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Date	October 12, 2025
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Casualties	4 killed, at least 20 injured
Investigative Status	Ongoing
Community Response	Vigil organized, calls for unity and action against gun violence

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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.

Stay Connected

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit