ST. HELENA ISLAND, SC. (WTOC) - At least 20 people were injured following a mass shooting at a restaurant on St. Helena Island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Four were taken to the hospital in critical condition, and another four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

[11:32 a.m. UPDATE, 10/13/2025] The Beaufort County Coroner’s office has released the names of all the victims who died in the mass shooting on St. Helena Island on Sunday, October 12.

The victims are:

• Kashawn Glaze, a 22 year-old-male from Beaufort
• Chiraad Smalls, a 33 year-old-male from Beaufort
• A’shan’tek Milledge, a 22-year-old female from Burton
• Amos Gary, a 54-year-old male from St. Helena

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is the investigating police agency.

WTOC is still working to get more updates and details about this incident and will continue to provide updates as they become available.

[7:13 p.m. UPDATE] The Penn Center Board of Trustees and Staff expressed their community support following the mass shooting.

On behalf of the Penn Center Board of Trustees and Staff, we are heartbroken by the horrific mass shooting that unfolded at Willie’s Bar and Grill in the early hours of October 12, 2025. We want to express our unwavering commitment to supporting our community as we navigate this devastating event together. 

Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the four individuals who tragically lost their lives, to those who were wounded, to the traumatized bystanders, and to all who have been affected by this senseless act of violence. 

This morning, our beloved daughters, sons, mothers, and fathers were ripped from us without reason. We cannot stand by while violence continues to plague our community. For 163 years, we have stood united with the residents of St. Helena Island and Beaufort County, and we firmly believe that our collective strength and resilience will guide us through these dark times. 

Senseless violence has no place in our society. Gun violence is a destructive and unacceptable means of conflict resolution. It is imperative that we come together as one community, pooling our resources and efforts to tackle the root causes of gun violence. We must act decisively, and we encourage you to lend your support. 

#sthelenastrong #beaufortcountystrong. We must come together as one and marshal our resources to address the causes of gun violence in our communities. It’s time to act, and we need your support.

Penn Center

[11:37 a.m. UPDATE] A security guard hired for an event at the bar was one of those killed during a shooting early Sunday morning, according to those cleaning up the bar Sunday morning.

People were back at Willie’s Bar and Grill Sunday morning, cleaning up the aftermath of a shooting that has killed four people and injured 20.

According to those at the restaurant, the shooting occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday outside. There was a party for alumni of Battery Creek High School at the bar.

The bar’s owner said he closed the bar back in December because he wanted to make renovations and upgrades to prevent incidents like this from happening.

[9:04 a.m. UPDATE] Four people are dead and at least 20 others injured after a shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island early Sunday morning, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to multiple reports of gunshots just before 1 a.m. on Sunday. When they arrived, they found a large crowd and several people suffering from gunshot wounds.

Hundreds of people were at the restaurant when the shooting occurred, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Multiple victims and witnesses ran to nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gunfire.

Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were transported to area hospitals in critical condition, with at least 20 people injured. Several additional victims were taken to hospitals by Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services, and more continued to arrive at area hospitals seeking treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

Names of victims have not been released at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating persons of interest.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, area fire departments and Beaufort County EMS assisted at the scene to help those with injuries.

“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.”

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com , or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT.

Lawmakers React:

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.

If you have any information, please contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at…

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) October 12, 2025

The tragic news out of Beaufort County is heartbreaking. I’m lifting up in prayer the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured. All of us in South Carolina will be holding those affected close in our hearts in the days ahead.

— Senator Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) October 12, 2025

[ORIGINAL STORY 6:09 a.m.] Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near the intersection of Highway 21 is partially closed Sunday as Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigate a shooting.

The sheriff’s office issued a Nixle alert Sunday morning stating deputies are actively investigating the incident. Officials said there is no threat to the public.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area if possible. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is blocked off at the Highway 21 intersection, while Highway 21 remains open to traffic.

The sheriff’s office is asking drivers who need to travel on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to find an alternate route while the investigation continues.

No additional details about the shooting have been released at this time.