Who is behind South Carolina shooting? Inside deadly attack that killed four people and injured at least 20

A tragic mass shooting has once again shaken the United States, this time in South Carolina, where a late-night gathering at a popular bar turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. Authorities confirmed that four people were killed and at least 20 others were injured in the early hours of Sunday morning, when gunfire erupted inside Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, a normally quiet community known for its deep-rooted Gullah Geechee culture.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, hundreds of people were inside the bar when the shooting began, sending terrified patrons scrambling for safety. Witnesses described scenes of panic as victims and bystanders fled to nearby businesses to escape the hail of bullets. When deputies and emergency responders arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds both inside and outside the establishment.

Officials confirmed that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while at least 20 others sustained injuries. Of those injured, four were transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased, pending notification of their families.

A night of terror on St. Helena Island

Residents in the surrounding neighborhood described hearing what sounded like automatic gunfire, echoing through the early morning quiet. “It sounded like a machine gun,” said Robert Adams, a local resident who lives just up the street from the bar, speaking to The Island Packet, a regional news outlet. Another witness, a cook employed at the bar, said he “heard a lot of shots” and immediately ducked for cover.

Law enforcement officials are still working to determine whether the attack was targeted or random, and no arrests have been made as of Sunday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office said it is following several leads and interviewing witnesses, but has declined to release further details about possible suspects or motives.

A cultural landmark struck by violence

The venue at the center of the tragedy, Willie’s Bar and Grill, is well known in the area for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and its efforts to preserve and celebrate the heritage of the Gullah Geechee people—descendants of enslaved Africans who lived and worked on plantations along the southeastern coast of the United States. The bar’s website proudly highlights its mission to share the “heartwarming spirit” of Gullah Geechee culture through food, music, and community gatherings.

However, this is not the first time violence has erupted at this location. In 2022, when the establishment was known as Island Grill, a shooting incident left two people with non-life-threatening injuries. Locals are now calling for tighter security and preventive measures to stop such tragedies from recurring.

Lawmakers and community react

The shooting has prompted a wave of grief and outrage from state and national leaders. South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican, said on X (formerly Twitter) that she was “completely heartbroken to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County,” adding that her “prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.”

Democratic Congressman James Clyburn echoed her sentiment, calling the incident a “senseless tragedy” and expressing his devastation over yet another episode of gun violence in his home state.

A pattern of rising gun violence

South Carolina has seen a disturbing rise in mass shootings and gun-related incidents in recent months. Earlier in October, two separate shootings at South Carolina State University, located about 100 miles north of St. Helena Island, left one person dead and another injured. The repeated violence has intensified public debate about gun control, community safety, and the country’s persistent struggle to curb deadly shootings.

As investigators continue to piece together what happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill, residents of St. Helena Island are left to mourn and reflect. What was meant to be a night of food, laughter, and music became another grim reminder of how quickly joy can turn to tragedy in a nation grappling with the unrelenting toll of gun violence.

FAQ: South Carolina Bar Shooting on St. Helena Island

1. What happened at the bar on St. Helena Island, South Carolina?
A mass shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. Gunfire broke out while hundreds of people were gathered inside, leading to the deaths of four people and injuries to at least 20 others.

2. How many people were killed and injured in the South Carolina shooting?
Authorities confirmed that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while at least 20 others sustained gunshot wounds. Four of the injured victims are reported to be in critical condition at nearby hospitals.

3. Where exactly did the shooting happen?
The shooting took place at Willie’s Bar and Grill, a well-known local establishment on St. Helena Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina. The bar is recognized for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and cultural atmosphere.

4. Was the shooting targeted or random?
Investigators from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office have not yet determined whether the attack was targeted or random. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects.

5. What is known about the suspect or suspects?
As of the latest update, no suspects have been arrested or named. Law enforcement officials are interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and following several leads to determine who was responsible.

6. How did witnesses describe the shooting?
Residents and eyewitnesses described the sound of rapid, automatic gunfire. One local resident told The Island Packet that it sounded “like a machine gun,” while a cook working at the bar said he “heard a lot of shots” before ducking for cover.

7. What is significant about Willie’s Bar and Grill?
Willie’s Bar and Grill is a cultural hub that celebrates the Gullah Geechee heritage, offering food and entertainment inspired by the traditions of the descendants of enslaved Africans who lived on the southeastern U.S. coast. The bar’s website highlights its mission to preserve and share the “heartwarming spirit” of Gullah Geechee culture.

8. Has violence occurred at this location before?
Yes. In 2022, when the establishment operated under the name Island Grill, another shooting took place, injuring two people. Those earlier injuries were not life-threatening, but the incident raised earlier concerns about security at the venue.

9. How are officials and politicians responding?
Lawmakers have expressed shock and sorrow. Representative Nancy Mace (R–SC) said she was “heartbroken” by the tragedy, while Congressman James Clyburn (D–SC) called it a “senseless act of violence.” Both urged action to prevent further gun-related incidents in South Carolina.

10. What recent shootings have occurred in South Carolina?
Just weeks before this tragedy, two separate shootings at South Carolina State University, roughly 100 miles north of St. Helena Island, left one person dead and another injured. These repeated events have reignited concerns about the growing pattern of gun violence in the state.

11. What’s next in the investigation?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the shooting, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring those responsible to justice.

12. How is the community responding?
Residents of St. Helena Island are mourning the loss and demanding action to prevent future violence. Local leaders have called for peace, unity, and stronger measures to protect public spaces in small communities like theirs.