A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, left four people dead and at least 20 injured during the early morning hours of October 12, 2025. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. as hundreds of patrons attended a Battery Creek High School alumni celebration at the popular Lowcountry establishment.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the casualties and reported that many victims fled into nearby businesses to escape the gunfire. Four of the injured remain in critical condition, according to officials. The deceased are: Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort; Chiraad Smalls, 33, of Beaufort; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, of Burton; and Amos Gary, 54, of St. Helena Island.
Willie Turral, the bar owner, described the chaos that unfolded during what began as a festive gathering. He recounted hearing what sounded like machine gunfire and seeing swarms of people rushing for safety. Turral indicated that events unfolded rapidly, with bodies on the ground and people ducking for cover throughout the packed venue.
One of the four fatalities, Amos Gary, was a security guard working at the establishment that night. Turral revealed that Gary was the son of his father’s best friend, making the tragedy particularly personal for him. Turral noted, “We spoke the night before,” emphasizing how close to home the incident hit for his family and staff.
The Beaufort County School District clarified that the alumni event was neither sanctioned nor organized by Battery Creek High School administration or the school district itself. Despite the unofficial nature of the gathering, hundreds of people had assembled at the bar for the celebration when the shooting began.
Law enforcement officials have identified persons of interest in connection with the shooting but have not disclosed whether any suspects are in custody. No arrests have been made as of the latest reports, and authorities have not released names or details about potential suspects. The motive behind the attack remains unknown as investigators continue gathering evidence.
Deputies arriving at the scene discovered multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds scattered throughout the area. Emergency responders transported the injured to local medical facilities, with several victims requiring critical care treatment. The sheriff’s office has increased patrols in the area following the incident.
Investigators are collecting ballistic evidence, forensic materials, and surveillance footage to reconstruct the sequence of events. They are also reviewing witness statements and interviewing survivors who fled the scene during the chaos. Camera footage from the establishment and surrounding businesses is being analyzed as part of the comprehensive investigation.
The shooting has prompted strong reactions from local officials and community leaders. Beaufort County Commissioner York Glover expressed his desire for Willie’s Bar and Grill to be shut down and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressed sorrow over the incident and urged patience with the ongoing investigation.
For Turral and his staff, the focus remains on supporting those affected by the violence. He emphasized the importance of community solidarity during this difficult time, noting that such situations can either make or break a community. Turral indicated it was too soon to consider the future of the establishment, as his primary concern centers on the health and safety of his staff and patrons.
The incident has left the St. Helena Island community in shock, with families and residents struggling to process the violence that erupted at what was intended to be a joyful reunion. A memorial has begun growing outside the bar as people pay their respects to the victims.
Authorities continue urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack that transformed a community celebration into a scene of violence.
The shooting represents one of the most significant mass casualty incidents in recent Beaufort County history, affecting dozens of families and sending ripples throughout the broader Lowcountry region. As the investigation progresses, officials maintain their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice while supporting the victims and their families through the recovery process.
