Tragedy Strikes St. Helena Island as Mass Shooting Claims Lives

Wed Oct 22 2025 01:58:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A mass shooting at Willie's Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, results in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least 20 others. The community, known for its rich Gullah heritage, mourns amidst ongoing investigations.

In a tragic incident on October 12, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island during an alumni event, resulting in four fatalities and more than 20 injuries. The victims, Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, Amos Gary, and A'shan'tek Milledge, were remembered by a grieving community focused on cultural resilience following the attack. Investigators are searching for persons of interest as the bar, a local staple, reflects on its role in the community impacted by this violence.

ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. — On October 12, 2025, tragedy struck Willie's Bar and Grill, a beloved establishment on St. Helena Island, during an alumni gathering. The mass shooting, which claimed the lives of four individuals and left over 20 injured, has stunned the local community.

The Beaufort County coroner's office identified the deceased as Kashawn Glaze, 22, Chiraad Smalls, 33, Amos Gary, 54, and A'shan'tek Milledge, 22. Their deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief and support within the vibrant Gullah community, which comprises approximately 5,000 individuals tracing their heritage back to enslaved West Africans who labored on local rice plantations.

As flowers and candles were placed outside the bar, owner Willie Turral shared the heavy burden of the event's impact on his establishment. It’s hard to have your name on the door and not feel the weight of what’s happening, he told WCSC-TV.

Investigators are continuing their search for persons of interest as community members work together to cope with this devastating event. The sheriff’s office has expressed gratitude to those who have come forward with information, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation during such a challenging time.

In the wake of this tragedy, the cultural resilience of the Gullah people remains a focal point, with aspirations to honor the legacy of those lost while striving for peace and healing within their community.