Police in South Carolina are investigating a shooting that left at least six people injured on the Isle of Palms beach on Friday, April 7. 

The incident occurred when high school seniors gathered at the beach for a “senior skip day” ahead of Spring break, according to Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett. The shooting happened at around 5:20 p.m.

Officers were already on the beach at the time of the shooting but were preoccupied with breaking up some fights. According to Chief Cornett, one of the fights escalated into gunfire when police at the beach were responding to the other incidents.

The police chief said they had recovered firearms from the beach where the gunfire broke, but it remains unclear if they were used in the shooting. It is also unclear who the shooter was or how many there were.

At least six individuals sustained gunshot wounds, most of them teens around 18 years old. One adult in their 30s or 40s was also among the victims. Police arrested several people in connection with the shooting but did not specify how many are in custody or their ages. 

The incident is still an ongoing investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information that would shed some light on the shooting to come forward.

Before the shooting, the police had already planned to increase officer presence at the beach ahead of Spring break, Chief Cornett confirmed. 

In a Twitter post, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina expressed his sadness for the incident to the victims and an appreciation for the law enforcement and first responders. Senator Scott wrote that it was heart-wrenching to hear of the incident, especially one so close to home.

The Isle of Palms is an island near Charleston, South Carolina, known for its beaches, and golf courses, making it a popular tourist destination.