Night of Terror on St. Helena: Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar Leaves 4 Dead, Over 20 Wounded in South Carolina
A quiet night on South Carolina’s St. Helena Island turned into chaos early Sunday after gunfire erupted inside Willie’s Bar and Grill, a popular local hangout known for its live music and weekend gatherings. According to Beaufort County authorities, at least four people were killed and more than twenty others injured in the mass shooting that broke out just after 1 a.m., leaving the small coastal community in shock and grief.
Police say the bar was crowded with weekend patrons when the shooting started. Witnesses described panic and confusion as people screamed, ducked for cover, and ran toward the exits. Tables were overturned, glass shattered, and the sound of gunfire echoed across the parking lot. Deputies responding to multiple 911 calls found the scene littered with debris and victims lying both inside and outside the building.
Sheriff P.J. Tanner said in a statement that four people were pronounced dead at the scene while others were rushed to nearby hospitals, some with critical injuries. “This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,” he said. “We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.”
The cause of the shooting remains under investigation. As of Sunday afternoon, officials had not identified any suspects or motives, but they confirmed that detectives are reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with federal agencies. Authorities are also appealing to anyone who was at the bar or in the area at the time to share videos or photos that might help piece together the sequence of events.
Willie’s Bar and Grill is a beloved spot among locals — a place where friends gather for karaoke nights, seafood platters, and birthday celebrations. For the tight-knit Gullah community of St. Helena, the news hit especially hard. “This is the kind of place where everybody knows everybody,” one resident told reporters. “You don’t expect something like this here. We’re heartbroken.”
The victims’ names have not yet been released pending family notification, but several residents have begun organizing vigils and prayer circles. Churches across Beaufort County are planning memorial services in the coming days, hoping to offer comfort as investigators continue their search for answers.
Local leaders and lawmakers have reacted swiftly to the tragedy. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, whose district includes St. Helena, said on X that she was “completely heartbroken” and called for unity and compassion. “Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted,” she wrote.
This marks one of the deadliest shootings in South Carolina so far this year and adds to the growing number of mass shootings nationwide. According to recent data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive, more than 500 such incidents have already been recorded across the United States in 2025.
For residents of St. Helena Island, the aftermath is a painful reminder of how quickly peace can be shattered. Police cruisers still block off parts of the road near the bar, and investigators continue to collect evidence. What began as an ordinary night of food, laughter, and music has left an entire community reeling — grieving loved ones, praying for survivors, and demanding justice for those whose lives were cut short.
