South Carolina bar shooting leaves four dead and 20 injured as suspect remains at large

ST HELENA ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA: On October 12, at least four people were killed and 20 others injured when a mass shooting unfolded at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St Helena Island, South Carolina. 

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple emergency calls just before 1 am reporting gunfire at the crowded venue.

“Upon arriving at the scene, deputies made contact with a large crowd of people, several of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “It was learned that hundreds of people were at the location when the shooting occurred.” 

Authorities probe deadly St Helena Island bar shooting

Panic spread as victims and witnesses ran to nearby homes and businesses to seek shelter. Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others remain in critical condition at local hospitals.

The sheriff’s office said “several victims” were transported by emergency responders, and additional victims went to hospitals on their own. Authorities have yet to release the names of those killed, pending notification of next of kin.

“The circumstances of this incident are still under investigation,” the sheriff’s office added, noting that investigators are pursuing “persons of interest” linked to the shooting. Officials urged anyone with information to come forward. 

Nancy Mace mourns St Helena Island shooting victims

Representative Nancy Mace, whose district includes St Helena Island, expressed grief over the tragedy. “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,” she said.

She also urged anyone with information to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Multiple southern states hit by deadly shootings

The South Carolina shooting adds to a series of violent incidents across the southern United States. In Mississippi, multiple shootings left nine people dead and several others wounded near schools and universities celebrating homecoming events.

Six people were killed in Leland following a high school homecoming game, two others in Heidelberg during football festivities, and one on the campus of Alcorn State University. Another person was shot dead near the tailgate area of Jackson State University.

Last week, South Carolina State University was also forced into lockdown after two unrelated shootings on campus left one person dead and two others injured.