At least four people are dead and a total of 20 people were injured after a bar shooting took place in St. Helena Island, South Carolina.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office announced that the shooting occurred around 1 a.m. at Willie’s Bar and Grill on Sunday, October 12, according to the Associated Press.
Upon officials’ arrival, they found a large crowd at the bar with several of the people injured after they were shot.
Many of the patrons ran to nearby businesses to seek shelter from the gunfire, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in an X post.
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“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,” the statement read. “We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.”
As of the afternoon of October 12, four victims were in critical condition at hospitals, according to the Associated Press. The victims’ identities have not yet been released as of time of publication.
Meanwhile, four people died at the scene of the shooting, according to ABC News.
Owner Willie Turral was inside the bar when the shooting took place, which happened during an alumni event for Battery Creek High School. Turral told the Associated Press that the gunfire went off “in bursts” outside, and he recalled that there was “screaming and panic and fear.”
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He went on to note that everyone was having a good time before the shots were fired. “It was scary from the inside,” he said, adding that people did not know “what’s really going on outside” and they were all “trying to get to safety.”
Following the shooting, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace took to X to issue a statement on the matter. “Heartbroken to hear about the tragic shooting in Beaufort County,” she wrote. “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 843-255-3418.”
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are currently under investigation, according to ABC News. Additionally, no arrests have been announced by authorities.
