October 13, 2025

Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead

Q: What is being done to investigate the shooting?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating 'persons of interest' related to the shooting. No arrests have been made, and the suspected shooter has not been identified.

St. Helena Island, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island has resulted in four fatalities and injuries to at least 20 others. The incident took place during a Battery Creek High School alumni tailgate event. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as patrons sought safety amid the gunfire. Four individuals are in critical condition as local authorities continue their investigation into the shooting, which marks a troubling recurrence of violence at this location.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina—A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill has left four people dead and at least 20 others injured. The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025, as a large crowd was attending a tailgate event for a Battery Creek High School alumni gathering. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with patrons fleeing in panic to nearby businesses for safety during the gunfire.

Among the injured, four individuals were reported to be in critical condition and have been transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment. The identity of the victims has not yet been disclosed as authorities continue their investigation. Currently, no arrests have been made, and the suspected shooter has not been identified.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident and is looking into “persons of interest” related to the shooting. Multiple victims were scattered throughout the scene; some were found inside the bar while others were located on the front steps and outside the establishment.

This incident is particularly unsettling as it follows a previous shooting at the same location, which was known as the Island Grill less than three years ago. The bar is known for serving authentic Gullah cuisine, a vital part of the cultural heritage of St. Helena Island.

Local and state officials, including U.S. Representative Nancy Mace and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, have expressed their condolences for the victims and their families, calling for prayers and community support in the wake of this tragedy. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has also issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the mass shooting and encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

This mass shooting adds to the troubling national trend of increasing gun violence and public safety concerns, as documented by the Gun Violence Archive.

Background Context

The rise of mass shootings in the United States has become a pressing concern for communities and policymakers alike. The Gun Violence Archive keeps a record of such incidents, and unfortunately, the number of mass shooting events continues to climb. In previous years, mass shootings have triggered discussions on gun control and public safety measures aimed at preventing further tragedies.

Willie’s Bar and Grill has been a popular gathering spot on St. Helena Island, known not only for its food but also for hosting community events. As the investigation into the latest incident progresses, the local community is left reeling from the violence that erupted during what was intended to be a celebratory occasion.

FAQ

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

Four people were killed in a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. At least 20 more individuals were injured in the incident.

When did the shooting occur?

The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on October 12, 2025.

What event was taking place at the time of the shooting?

The bar was hosting a tailgate event for a Battery Creek High School alumni gathering when the shooting occurred.

Are there any details about the victims?

Victim identities have not yet been released as part of the investigation. Four of the injured victims were reported to be in critical condition and were transported to area hospitals.

What is being done to investigate the shooting?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating “persons of interest” related to the shooting. No arrests have been made, and the suspected shooter has not been identified.

Is there a history of violence at this bar?

An earlier shooting incident occurred at the same location less than three years prior when it was known as the Island Grill.

What has been the response from local officials?

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott expressed their condolences and proposed prayers for the victims and their families.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Date and Time	October 12, 2025, shortly before 1 a.m.
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
Victims	4 deceased, at least 20 injured
Critical Condition	4 individuals
Event Type	Battery Creek High School alumni gathering
Investigating Authority	Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
History of Violence	Previous shooting less than three years ago

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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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