by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
ST. HELENA ISLAND, USA (Worthy News) – An investigation was underway Monday after a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island in the U.S. state of South Carolina claimed four lives and injured at least 20 others, authorities said.
The incident unfolded just before 1:00 a.m. at the bar, which was hosting a Battery Creek High School alumni event, officials said.
When law enforcement arrived, they encountered a large crowd, many of whom were already wounded. Witnesses and patrons reportedly fled to nearby buildings to seek shelter.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while among the injured, several are in critical condition, according to authorities.
Ot was unclear whether a suspect or suspects had been detained by Monday, though officials said “a person of interest” is in custody
COMMUNITY IN SHOCK
The shooting left the local community in shock, suggested bar owner Willie Turral. He described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, saying that “shots rang out in bursts,” and that inside the building, people were scrambling for cover.
He noted that what began as a joyful reunion quickly turned into panic and tragedy.
Members of the Gullah community — many of whom trace their roots to enslaved West Africans and maintain a distinct cultural heritage — voiced sorrow and disbelief.
A vigil has been organized to honor the victims, with community leaders pledging support to families.
Investigation Underway
Amid the mourning, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said it is leading the investigation into the shootings.
Officials say they review video evidence, collect witness statements, and ask anyone with information to come forward.
No motive has yet been determined, and authorities have not confirmed whether the gunfire originated inside or outside the bar.
St. Helena Island, with an estimated permanent population of at least some 9,000 people, is located in the state of South Carolina, specifically in Beaufort County, along the southeastern coast of the United States.
It’s part of the Sea Islands chain near Hilton Head Island and Beaufort.
The shooting occurred in an area known for its Gullah Geechee culture, lush marshlands, and small rural communities — not to be confused with the remote island nation of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, where Napoleon was exiled.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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