St. Helena Island, SC – At least four people were killed and 20 others injured early Sunday morning in a shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill, officials said. The violent incident unfolded shortly before 1 a.m., sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived to find a chaotic scene with multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders worked frantically to treat the injured while securing the area.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released pending notification of family members. Among the 20 injured, four remain in critical condition at local hospitals.
St. Helena Island is a quiet community located about an hour north of Savannah, Georgia. The shooting at a popular late-night venue has left residents reeling, as hundreds of people were reportedly inside the bar when the attack occurred.
Witnesses described panicked crowds running for safety. Many sought shelter in nearby businesses and residential properties as gunfire erupted. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to assist the investigation.
No arrests have been announced at this time. However, officials said law enforcement is actively investigating a person of interest. The sheriff’s office is collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to identify the suspect and determine a motive.
“This is a devastating tragedy for our community,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this extremely difficult time.” Counseling services and crisis support have been made available to those affected.
Investigators are reviewing security footage from the bar and surrounding areas, and interviewing witnesses who were present during the attack. Officials are also examining the timeline of events to piece together exactly how the shooting unfolded.
Local leaders and residents have expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. Many are calling for increased safety measures at public venues, including improved security protocols and better emergency response planning to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the St. Helena Island community mourns the lives lost and prays for the recovery of those injured. Updates are expected as law enforcement continues to gather evidence and search for the person responsible for this deadly attack
