At least four people were killed and 16 injured early Sunday in a shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. at 7 Dr. Martin Luther Drive, about an hour north of Savannah, Georgia.
When deputies arrived, a large crowd had gathered, and several people were suffering from gunshot wounds. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Initially, officials reported 20 injured, but later clarified that this number included those who were killed.
“It was learned that hundreds of people were at the location when the shooting occurred. Multiple victims and witnesses ran to nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gunshots,” the sheriff’s office said.
Of the 20 victims treated at hospitals, four were in critical condition. Some were transported by ambulance, while others arrived on their own. No arrests have been made, but investigators are looking into a person of interest. The names of the deceased are being withheld until family notifications are complete.
Eyewitness Account
Willie Turral, owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, described the scene to ABC affiliate WJCL in Savannah:
“I’m not sure of everything that took place in terms of what exactly happened. The shooting occurred, but it occurred outside and I was inside. But I could tell you from inside, I could hear what sounded like machine gun fire.”
Turral added:
“I could see the swarm of people coming in. Things happened so fast, just bodies on the ground, people just trying to duck for cover.”
He said paramedics were performing CPR on victims in the parking lot when he went outside.
The bar was hosting a local high school alumni event. Turral noted he had hired professional security staff, and tragically, one of the victims killed was a security officer he personally knew.
“Before the shooting, it was everything you would have wanted from an alumni party. People were smiling, people were dancing, people were having a fantastic time. Then it was just a complete reversal,” Turral said.
Community Response
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), representing Beaufort County, expressed her grief on social media:
“COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.”
She urged anyone with information to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
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