October 13, 2025

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

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

News Summary

A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four deaths and over 20 injuries during a gathering. Witnesses reported terrifying scenes as automatic gunfire erupted, prompting patrons to seek shelter. Local law enforcement is investigating, with persons of interest identified but no suspects announced yet. The incident has shocked the community, highlighting rising concerns over gun violence in the area.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina – Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead and Over 20 Injured

Early Sunday morning, a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulted in four fatalities and left more than 20 individuals injured. The shooting took place around 1 a.m., during a gathering celebrating Battery Creek High School alumni, which attracted hundreds of attendees.

Local law enforcement reported that four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Among the more than 20 injured, at least four were transported to local hospitals in critical condition, raising concerns about their health. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as automatic gunfire erupted, resembling machine gunfire, prompting many inside the bar to seek shelter in nearby businesses.

Bar owner Willie Turral expressed gratitude for the fact that some people were able to escape safely amid the chaos, which he described as frightening. The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are currently under investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement agencies have identified persons of interest but have not yet disclosed details regarding any suspects or motives behind the shooting.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office will provide this information once next of kin have been notified. The incident has drawn strong responses from local representatives, including heartfelt messages from Representative Nancy Mace and Congressman James Clyburn, who both expressed their devastation over this senseless tragedy.

Background on Willie’s Bar and Grill

Willie’s Bar and Grill is well-known in the community for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and has long been viewed as a pillar of the St. Helena Island social scene. This incident marks a disturbing pattern for the establishment, as it is not the first shooting to occur at this location—another incident took place in 2022, resulting in injuries to two individuals.

The rise of gun violence in the area has become a point of concern, with recent shootings reported at South Carolina State University adding to anxiety around such incidents. As investigators work tirelessly to uncover the facts, they are also appealing to the public for any information that may assist in the investigation.

In the aftermath, the community is left reeling from the shocking events, underscoring the persistent issue of gun violence not only in St. Helena Island but nationwide. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues its urgent work to bring clarity and justice to those affected by this tragic event.

FAQ

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, leaving four dead and over 20 injured.

How many people were injured in the shooting?

At least 20 others were injured, with four transported to local hospitals in critical condition.

What are local authorities doing regarding the shooting?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and has identified persons of interest.

What is the significance of Willie’s Bar and Grill?

Willie’s Bar and Grill is known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and serves as a community pillar on St. Helena Island.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Date and Time	Early Sunday morning, around 1 a.m.
Fatalities	Four people
Injured	Over 20, with four critically injured
Witness Accounts	Reported hearing automatic gunfire, people sought shelter
Investigation	Ongoing by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office with identified persons of interest
Community Impact	Shock and concern over gun violence; Willie’s Bar and Grill as a community hub

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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
Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Tragic Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island
Community Remembers Beloved Residents of Beaufort
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Relieves Commanding Officer

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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