May 31, 2025

Shooting During Memorial Day Gathering in Little River

News Summary

A shooting incident at a Memorial Day weekend gathering in Little River, South Carolina, left ten people injured and one individual with a non-gunfire-related injury. The chaos erupted following an altercation on a charter boat, prompting emergency responders to transport the injured to local hospitals. Authorities have arrested a suspect linked to the shooting and are investigating further leads. The community is urged to participate in discussions about gun violence and public safety following this alarming event.

Little River, South Carolina – A shooting during a Memorial Day weekend gathering in Little River left at least ten people injured, with one additional person sustaining a non-gunfire-related injury. The chaos unfolded in the parking lot of a charter boat business along Watson Avenue after an altercation erupted aboard a charter boat that was carrying over 120 individuals.

The Horry County Police Department reported that the most critically wounded victims are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals, where they are in stable condition. Emergency responders from the county’s fire-rescue agency transported a total of eleven individuals to medical facilities, while others may have sought assistance via private vehicles.

Following the incident, law enforcement emphasized that this was an isolated event and assured the community that there is no ongoing threat related to the shooting. Investigators are actively pursuing leads to identify those responsible for the violent outbreak.

Amidst the chaos, Randy Evans reported that his son was shot in the ankle and toe. In an effort to provide immediate aid to his son and others with more severe injuries, Evans used his bathing suit as a makeshift tourniquet.

In a separate but related incident, a police officer from the North Myrtle Beach department accidentally shot himself in the leg while responding to the scene of the shooting. The officer is currently reported to be in stable condition.

On Thursday, law enforcement made a significant breakthrough in the investigation with the arrest of 19-year-old Shawon Shamarion Williams in Lake County, Illinois. Williams has been linked to the shooting and is expected to face multiple counts of attempted murder as well as charges for possession of a weapon during a crime. He has signed an extradition waiver and is presently held in the Lake County jail, awaiting transfer to Horry County.

As the police inquiry progresses, authorities have indicated that additional individuals may also face charges related to this incident. They are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

This shooting incident marks a troubling moment for the Little River community, particularly as it occurred during a festive time meant for remembrance and celebration. Memorial Day weekend has traditionally been associated with gatherings to honor those who have served in the military, and the violence that transpired has cast a shadow over these observances.

Horry County has recently seen a rise in the use of firearms during violent encounters, raising concerns among residents and law enforcement alike about safety in public spaces. The shooting during the holiday weekend has spurred further dialogue about gun violence prevention and community safety measures.

As the community rallies in support of the victims and their families, local officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and addressing the factors that contribute to violent crime. Ongoing community meetings and forums are expected to take place in an effort to engage residents and promote solutions aimed at reducing future incidents.

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Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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