St. Helena Island, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, resulting in four deaths and over 20 injuries during a Battery Creek High School alumni event. Witnesses reported panic as gunfire erupted, prompting numerous individuals to flee for safety. Local authorities are investigating the incident while community leaders are discussing increased safety measures in response to the tragedy.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina
A mass shooting occurred early on October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, SC, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 20 others. The tragic event unfolded during an alumni gathering for Battery Creek High School, drawing hundreds of attendees and leading to a chaotic scene in the popular local venue.
The victims of the shooting have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort, A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton, Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort, and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island. Among the injured, four victims are reported to be in critical condition. Witnesses indicated that gunfire erupted around 1 AM, causing many to flee for safety into nearby businesses as panic spread within the bar.
Police quickly arrived on the scene and found multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds, along with others injured during the chaotic escape. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident but has not confirmed a motive or made any arrests as of yet.
In the wake of the shooting, an inquiry has been launched regarding the response time of authorities to the scene, and whether there had been any prior concerns related to safety at the venue. Local community members are already discussing the necessity for increased safety measures, including more police patrols in the area, following this unprecedented event.
Willie Turral, the owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, stated that security measures were in place for the event, including a team of security personnel. Despite these precautions, the shooting has ignited discussions among community leaders regarding strategies to enhance event safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As family members and friends of the victims gathered at the site, a memorial was established outside the bar to honor those who lost their lives. Concerns have been raised regarding community safety in what is typically a peaceful area, further highlighting the pervasive issue of gun violence across the nation.
One parent of a victim reported that their daughter was shot in the face and is currently recovering in the hospital. This shooting has left a deep and distressing impact on the St. Helena Island community, with many calling for immediate action to enhance safety and security measures to protect residents and visitors alike.
Community Impact and Repercussions
The repercussions of this tragic event are significant and multifaceted, affecting not only the families of the victims but also the entire community. Community leaders are set to convene to discuss potential strategies to ensure the safety of future events in the wake of this devastating incident.
Statistical Overview
As investigations continue, officials are focusing on gathering information and providing support to victims’ families while examining the broader implications of violence in communal settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island?
A mass shooting occurred early on October 12, 2025, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to at least 20 others.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The four deceased victims were identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort, A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton, Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort, and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena Island.
How many people were injured?
At least 20 others were injured, with four individuals reported to be in critical condition.
What was the event taking place at the bar during the shooting?
The gathering at the bar was an alumni event for Battery Creek High School, attracting hundreds of attendees.
How did the situation unfold?
Witnesses reported that gunfire erupted around 1 AM, prompting many people to flee to nearby businesses for safety. Police arrived to find several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds, while others had injuries sustained during the chaotic escape.
What actions are being taken after the shooting?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and has not yet confirmed a motive or made any arrests. An inquiry is ongoing regarding the response time to the shooting and potential past issues at the venue.
What is the community’s response to the shooting?
Community members are discussing increased safety measures, including more police patrols in the area, and community leaders are expected to discuss strategies for enhancing event safety in the future.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 12, 2025 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Number of Fatalities | 4 |
| Number of Injuries | 20+, with 4 in critical condition |
| Event Type | Battery Creek High School Alumni Gathering |
| Time of Shooting | Around 1 AM |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no confirmed motive or arrests |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Bar Claims Four Lives
Four Killed in Mass Shooting at St. Helena Island Bar
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting in South Carolina Claims Four Lives
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Additional Resources
- ABC News: 4 Killed in Bar Shooting
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island
- WTOC: Victims Identified in St. Helena Island Mass Shooting
- Google Search: St. Helena Island Mass Shooting
- Post and Courier: St. Helena Island Shooting Victims
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Island Packet: St. Helena Island Shooting Investigation
- Google News: St. Helena Island Shooting
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.
