At least four people have died and more than 20 others were injured following a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar on St Helena Island, South Carolina, early Sunday morning.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived shortly before 1 a.m. to find several victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The bar was crowded at the time of the attack.
Sheriff’s Office Investigating shooting that injured multiple people on St. Helena https://t.co/eB1X2eTNER
— Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, SC (@bcsopio) October 12, 2025
Witnesses Ran for Shelter During Chaos
“Multiple victims and witnesses ran to the nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gun shots,” the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement posted on X.
Authorities said people fled to neighboring homes and shops for safety as gunfire erupted inside and outside the bar.
Sheriff Calls Incident ‘Tragic and Difficult’
“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone. We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones,” the sheriff’s office said.
Officials confirmed that four of the injured victims remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals.
Investigation Ongoing, Motive Still Unknown
As of Sunday afternoon, authorities had not released the names of the victims or identified any suspect in the St Helena Island shooting. Detectives are continuing to question witnesses and collect evidence from the crime scene.
The motive behind the South Carolina mass shooting remains unclear, according to investigators.
Community and Leaders Respond
Witnesses told deputies that terrified customers ran for cover as the gunfire broke out, with some escaping into nearby buildings.
COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County.
Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.
If you have any information, please contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at…
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) October 12, 2025
Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressed her condolences on X, writing that she was “COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County.”
“The victims, their families, and everyone affected by this terrible act of violence are in our thoughts and prayers,” she added.
