A mass shooting at a crowded bar on St Helena Island, South Carolina, has left four people dead and at least 20 injured, according to officials. The incident occurred early on Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene to find several people with gunshot wounds. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office stated that multiple victims and witnesses fled to nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gunfire.
Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, and at least 20 others were injured, with four in critical condition at local hospitals. The sheriff’s office described the event as a tragic and difficult incident, asking for patience as investigations continue.
US Representative Nancy Mace expressed devastation over the shooting, offering prayers for the victims and their families. St Helena Island is known for its Gullah Geechee culture, and the bar describes itself as serving authentic Gullah cuisine.
Mass shootings, defined by the Gun Violence Archive as incidents where four or more people are shot, have become increasingly common in the United States over the past decade.
