A mass shooting at a crowded bar in the southern US state of South Carolina has left four people dead and at least 20 injured, officials said.
Hundreds of people were gathered at the popular bar on St Helena Island in the early hours of Sunday morning when gunfire broke out, forcing multiple victims and witnesses to flee to nearby businesses for safety, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's office.
Four individuals were confirmed dead at the bar, with at least 20 others injured, including four who were transferred to local hospitals in critical condition. The incident is currently under investigation, with the sheriff's office looking into potential suspects.
Upon arrival, police and first responders found numerous individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. The nature of the shooting—whether it was random or targeted—remains unclear as authorities have withheld further information.
The establishment where the shooting occurred, Willie's Bar and Grill, is known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine and promotes the cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans from the southeastern US coast.
In response to the tragedy, South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace expressed her heartbreak and extended prayers to the victims and their families via social media.
As calls for safety and justice resonate within the community, Willie's Bar has yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident.
