St. Helena Island, October 13, 2025
News Summary
A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island left four people dead and at least 20 injured during a crowded event. The shooting triggered panic as patrons sought safety, and many victims arrived at hospitals on their own. Investigations are ongoing as the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the impact of yet another act of gun violence in the United States.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on October 12, leaving four people dead and at least 20 others injured. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that hundreds of patrons were at the bar during the shooting, as it hosted an alumni party for Battery Creek High School.
The incidents triggered panic among attendees, who sought shelter in nearby businesses and properties to escape the gunfire. Many victims arrived at local hospitals independently for treatment. At least four individuals were reported to be in critical condition following the attack, which left the community in shock.
Local authorities are currently investigating persons of interest related to the shooting, but no further details have been released at this time. The owner of the bar, Willie Turral, described the sounds of the gunfire as reminiscent of “machine gun fire.” Despite having security measures, including armed guards, in place prior to the incident, the situation escalated rapidly.
The deceased were identified, including one individual who was a close friend of the bar owner, leading to a deep sense of sorrow within the community. Following the shooting, vigils were held by staff and community members to honor the victims and show support for the families affected by this tragic event.
This incident at Willie’s Bar and Grill marks yet another grim statistic in the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States. The country has seen a total of 336 mass shootings—defined as incidents where four or more people are shot—reported in 2025 as of October 12, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Local representatives, including Republican Representative Nancy Mace and Democratic Congressman James Clyburn, expressed their condolences and characterized the event as a tragedy.
St. Helena Island is known for its rich Gullah Geechee culture, which traces back to the descendants of African slaves. Unfortunately, this location is not unfamiliar with gun violence. Previous incidents occurred at the same venue in 2022, where two individuals were injured.
This shooting has rattled Beaufort County, famed for its tourist destination Hilton Head, and also home to the Marine Corps recruit depot at Parris Island. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shooting, authorities continue their investigation into the events that transpired, seeking answers and justice for the victims and their families.
FAQ
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on October 12?
A mass shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m., resulting in four dead and at least 20 others injured.
How many people were present during the shooting?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that hundreds of people were present at the bar during the shooting.
What were the conditions of the injured?
Multiple victims were transported to local hospitals, and at least four were reported in critical condition.
Have there been previous incidents at this location?
Yes, previous shooting incidents occurred at the same location in 2022, where two people were injured.
How many mass shootings have there been in the U.S. this year?
As of October 12, there have been 336 mass shootings reported in the U.S. in 2025.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina |
| Date and Time | October 12, shortly before 1 a.m. |
| Fatalities | Four dead |
| Injuries | At least 20 injured, with multiple transported to local hospitals |
| Critical Condition | At least four reported in critical condition |
| Investigation Status | Investigating persons of interest |
| Previous Incidents | Incident at the same location in 2022 |
| Nationwide Mass Shootings | 336 mass shootings reported in the U.S. in 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
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
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
Tragic Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island
Additional Resources
- WJCL: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting
- Wikipedia: Shooting in the United States
- Fox News: South Carolina Bar Shooting
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- New York Times: South Carolina Bar Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- ABC News: St. Helena Bar Shooting
- Google News: St. Helena Island
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.
