BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — A mass shooting at a crowded bar on an idyllic South Carolina island has left four people dead and at least 20 injured, officials said.
The shooting occurred early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, officials said. A large crowd was present when sheriff’s deputies arrived, finding several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that multiple victims and witnesses fled to nearby businesses seeking safety from the gunfire. In a statement on social media, the office expressed, This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone. We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.
Four victims were discovered deceased at the scene, while over 20 others suffered injuries, with four in critical condition at local hospitals.
The establishment is owned by Willie Turral Food Services. Turral confirmed that people were attending a Battery Creek High School alumni tailgate event at the bar at the time of the incident.
Victims' identities have not yet been released. The news has prompted strong reactions from local leaders, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who expressed her heartbreak over the violence and extended prayers for the victims and their families.
St. Helena Island is noted for its Gullah community, consisting of descendants of enslaved people who once worked cotton and rice plantations in the region. The community maintains a heritage marked by unique cultural practices and a distinctive dialect.
