ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island over the weekend has left four people dead and more than twenty others wounded. The tragic event occurred during a gathering for Battery Creek High School alumni on Sunday night, packed with attendees celebrating their connections.
Amid community grief, the Beaufort County coroner's office confirmed the identities of the deceased: Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; Amos Gary, 54; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22. Memorials, including flowers and candles, have begun to appear outside the bar as the community mourns.
The local sheriff's office has stated they are still searching for 'persons of interest' linked to the shooting. They expressed gratitude to community members who came forward with information during this distressing time. We appreciate your continued patience as we investigate this difficult tragedy that occurred in our community, the sheriff’s office remarked.
Willie's Bar is more than just a restaurant; it is recognized as a community pillar, known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine, and dedicating efforts toward giving back, especially to youth in the area. This sense of community has deep roots, as the island is home to around 5,000 Gullah people with ancestors tracing back to enslaved West Africans who labored on local rice plantations before gaining freedom through the Civil War.
In the aftermath, Willie Turral, the bar owner, spoke to the emotional burden of the tragedy, stating, It’s hard to have your name on the door and not feel the weight of what’s happening. The narratives following this horrific event have brought to light the need for community support and ongoing conversations regarding violence and safety.
The authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward as they continue their investigation into the events that unfolded.
