Four killed and 20 injured in early morning shooting at South Carolina bar

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox

Get our free Inside Washington email

Get our free Inside Washington email

Four people were killed and 20 more were injured in a shooting at a South Carolina bar, according to police.

The shooting unfolded around 1 a.m. on Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Hundreds of people were at the bar when gunshots rang out, the agency said.

Emergency crews found four people dead at the scene, and at least 20 people injured. Beaufort County EMS transported several victims to local hospitals, including four people who were in critical condition, according to the sheriff’s office. More victims have continued to show up at area hospitals seeking treatment for their injuries, the sheriff’s office noted.

Police have yet to release further information on the victims as they work to notify their families.

open image in gallery

The sheriff’s office said it is investigating a “person of interest” and urged anyone with information on the shooting to contact local law enforcement.

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

Representative Nancy Mace, whose district includes St. Helena Island, shared a statement asking for anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

“COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County,” she wrote on X. “Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.”

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.