A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, left at least four people dead and 20 others injured in the early hours of Sunday, October 12, 2025. Beaufort County deputies responded around 1:00 a.m.; investigators continue to search for suspects and motive while local leaders call for stronger law‑and‑order measures.
At least four victims died at the scene and 20 additional people suffered injuries, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived after reports of gunfire at the crowded establishment on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Emergency services transported multiple victims to area hospitals, where some remain in critical condition. Law enforcement crews secured the scene and began canvassing for witnesses and video evidence.
Community leaders and residents expressed outrage and grief over a violent episode that struck a busy nightspot. Local officials emphasized the need for rapid investigative progress and urged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office. County authorities pledged to deploy all available resources to identify perpetrators and prevent further violence.
The shooting intensifies broader concerns about public safety in hospitality venues and at weekend gatherings. Business owners in coastal communities depend on tourism and late‑night commerce; repeated acts of mass violence threaten economic stability and public confidence. Calls for stepped‑up patrols, clearer security protocols, and stricter enforcement followed the incident from both elected officials and law‑abiding citizens.
