(Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Roomies, something chilling rocked a South Carolina island overnightand the aftermath has left the community reeling. On St. Helena Island, what shouldve been a typical latenight at Willies Bar & Grill ended in chaos, and now questions are flooding in as families and bystanders deal with the heartbreak.
At least four people were reportedly killed and 20 others injured, four of them critically, after one or more shooters opened fire on a crowded bar just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, according to the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office. The victims were pronounced deceased at the scene, and deputies who arrived found dozens suffering from gunshot wounds. Additionally, it was revealed that hundreds of people were at the location when the shooting occurred. Furthermore, multiple victims and witnesses rushed to nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter after gunfire erupted. The identities of those lost have not yet been released as investigators work through leads.
Authorities are urging the community to stay patient as they work through the investigation and offered a heartfelt message regarding the victims.
“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,” the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office said in a statement on Instagram.
In response to the mounting grief, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace took to X, writing:
“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.”
Its been a heavy stretch in South Carolina lately. Days before a mass shooting rocked St. Helena Island, South Carolina State University is also reeling after two separate shootings left one student dead and another person injured. As previously reported, 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler tragically lost her life on Oct. 4 after being shot during SCSUs homecoming weekend. Authorities say she was taken to MUSC Health Orangeburg Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The school went into lockdown and issued alerts following reports of gunfire.
The day after Jaliyahs death, police arrested 18-year-old Matthew McCoy, who allegedly retrieved a loaded gun from his car and fired during a fight. While it’s unclear if he’s directly connected to the fatal shooting, hes been charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person. State agents are investigating both incidents, which they currently believe are unrelated.
