St. Helena Island, SC, October 14, 2025
News Summary
A tragic mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill during a Battery Creek High School alumni party, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries. Eyewitnesses described chaos as attendees attempted to flee the gunfire. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which has left the community in mourning. Vigils have been held to honor the victims, and local officials have condemned the shooting as a senseless tragedy. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement searches for potential suspects.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on October 12, 2023, left four people dead and over 20 others injured. The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. during a Battery Creek High School alumni party, where hundreds of people were in attendance.
Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, all of whom were struck by gunfire. The deceased have been identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, of Beaufort, SC; Chiraad Smalls, 33, of Beaufort, SC; A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton, SC; and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena, SC. In addition, at least 20 people sustained injuries, with four reported to be in critical condition and were transported to local hospitals.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos as individuals attempted to take cover amidst the gunfire. Some victims and witnesses fled to nearby businesses for safety. The incident prompted a response from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, which is currently investigating potential persons of interest but has made no arrests as of October 13.
Among the victims was a security officer who was working at the bar during the shooting. The atmosphere at Willie’s Bar and Grill had been described as a “fantastic time” prior to the gunfire, which quickly descended into “mayhem.” Following the tragedy, vigils have been organized outside the establishment to honor the victims, with community members expressing their sorrow and condolences.
South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace expressed her heartbreak over the shooting through social media, as did Congressman James Clyburn, who referred to the incident as a “senseless tragedy.” This shooting follows a previous incident at the same location in 2022, where two people were injured.
St. Helena Island is noted for its rich Gullah Geechee culture, which descends from African slaves. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact law enforcement.
Key Details:
- Date: October 12, 2023
- Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC
- Casualties: Four dead, over 20 injured
- Identified Victims: Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary
- Condition of Injured: Four in critical condition
Background Information:
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has begun an investigation, and the community continues to mourn the loss of life. The mayor and other local leaders are likely to address safety concerns and measures to prevent such violence in the future. The repeated violence at this location raises questions about safety and community well-being.
FAQs
What happened during the shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
A mass shooting occurred on October 12, 2023, at Willie’s Bar and Grill, resulting in four deaths and over twenty injuries.
How many people were injured in the shooting?
At least 20 people were injured, with four reported in critical condition.
What have local officials said about the incident?
Local officials, including South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace and Congressman James Clyburn, have expressed heartbreak and referred to the shooting as a senseless tragedy.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 12, 2023 |
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, SC |
| Death Toll | 4 |
| Injuries | 20 injured, 4 critical |
| Victims Identified | Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, A’shan’tek Milledge, Amos Gary |
| Current Investigation Status | No arrests made as of October 13 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- BBC News
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island, South Carolina
- WRDW
- Google Search: St. Helena Island mass shooting
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- USA Today
- Google News: South Carolina bar shooting
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.
