At least four people were killed and more than 20 injured in a mass shooting early Sunday at a crowded bar on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. The attack happened just before 1 a.m. at Willie’s Bar and Grill, a popular local spot known for Gullah-inspired food and live music.
Deputies arrived to find chaos, victims with gunshot wounds, people running for cover, and businesses taking in frightened witnesses.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office called the incident “tragic and difficult for everyone” and asked the public for patience as the investigation continues.
Who Is the Suspect?
Authorities have not named or arrested a suspect in the shooting. Investigators said they are looking into a “person of interest” or possibly more than one, but no further details have been shared.
Detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing security footage, and gathering evidence from the scene.
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. Officials have not confirmed whether the gunfire was random or targeted. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information to come forward.
US Representative Nancy Mace, who represents the area, expressed grief on X, saying she was “completely heartbroken” over the tragedy.
What Is the Whole Matter?
The shooting unfolded at Willie’s Bar and Grill during the early hours of Sunday, when the venue was packed with weekend crowds. Witnesses reported hearing bursts of automatic gunfire and described people rushing out in panic. By the time deputies arrived, four people were dead, and more than 20 others were injured, four of them critically.
The victims’ names have not yet been released. Emergency crews transported several of the wounded to nearby hospitals, where doctors are still treating the most severe cases.
Police closed off the area around the bar for most of Sunday as forensic teams worked through the scene.
St. Helena Island is known for its deep Gullah Geechee roots and close-knit community.
The violence has shocked residents, many of whom describe the island as peaceful and family-oriented. Locals say they never expected something like this to happen in their town.
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