Four dead, 20 injured in mass shooting at bar on St Helena Island, South Carolina

A mass shooting at a bar on St Helena Island in South Carolina has left four people dead and at least 20 others injured, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. local time Sunday (1 p.m. Singapore time) at Willie's Bar and Grill on Dr. Martin Luther Drive. The venue, popular for its Gullah-inspired cuisine, was reportedly hosting a large gathering when gunfire erupted.

Authorities stated that a “large crowd” had gathered at the bar during the early morning hours. Multiple victims and witnesses fled to nearby properties and businesses in an attempt to escape the gunfire.

Deputies who arrived at the scene found several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Four of the victims were pronounced dead at the location, while others were transported to nearby hospitals.

Of the 20 people injured, four remain in critical condition. The sheriff’s office reported that some victims were taken by ambulance, while others arrived at medical facilities on their own.

As of Monday, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. However, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a “person of interest” is being investigated.

The identities of the four deceased individuals have not yet been made public, as officials are waiting to notify their families.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office described the event as a “tragic and difficult incident for everyone.” It also called for patience from the public as investigators continue their work.

Representative Nancy Mace, who represents Beaufort County, expressed her condolences via social media, calling the shooting “devastating.”

“Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence,” Mace said. She urged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office “as soon as humanly possible.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or random, and no further details regarding potential suspects or motives have been released.

The bar where the shooting occurred, Willie's Bar and Grill, is known for promoting the Gullah Geechee culture, a heritage rooted in the descendants of enslaved Africans in the southeastern United States.

The incident adds to growing concerns over gun violence in the region, and investigators are working to determine how many firearms were used and what led to the outbreak of violence.

As the investigation continues, local leaders and community members are calling for accountability and answers in what is now one of the deadliest shootings in Beaufort County in recent years.