St. Helena Island Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill, South Carolina, Leaves 4 Dead and 20 Injured; Multiple Gunmen Wanted

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, has left four people dead and at least twenty others injured, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say multiple gunmen are believed to have been involved in the attack, which broke out just after 1 a.m. on Sunday.

Deputies arrived to find a chaotic scene with a large crowd of people — several suffering from gunshot wounds — outside the packed bar. “Upon arriving at the scene, deputies made contact with a large crowd of people, several of which were suffering from gunshot wounds,” the sheriff’s office said in a released statement.

Officials reported that hundreds of people had gathered at the popular local venue when the gunfire erupted. Witnesses and victims fled to nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter.

Emergency medical teams from Beaufort County EMS transported multiple victims to local hospitals. Four are confirmed dead, while several others remain in critical condition.

As of now, the names of the victims have not been released, and no motive has been confirmed. The sheriff’s office described the event as “a tragic and difficult incident for everyone.”

“We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident,” the statement added. “Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.”

Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and review forensic evidence from the scene. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418, or to submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County using the P3 Tips app, visiting tipsbft.com, or calling 844-TIPS-BFT.

According to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), this incident marks one of 335 mass shootings recorded in the United States so far this year.