Sheriff Urges Community Cooperation after Mass Shooting on St. Helena Island

Thu Oct 16 2025 10:53:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Authorities are seeking information on a devastating mass shooting that claimed four lives and left 16 injured in South Carolina, amidst concerns regarding witness cooperation.

Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner is leading a thorough investigation into a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill, while expressing disappointment over the lack of witnesses coming forward. The incident, which occurred during a crowded party, has left four people dead and 16 injured. Officials are utilizing DNA testing and video analysis to build a case, as the sheriff urges the community to report information anonymously to avoid fears of retaliation.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities in South Carolina are earnestly pursuing leads following a tragic mass shooting that occurred over the weekend, leaving four dead and 16 injured at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island. Sheriff P.J. Tanner expressed frustration at the lack of cooperation from witnesses, despite an estimated 700 people being present at the party where the shooting erupted.

In the absence of arrests, investigators are engaging in intensive work, including DNA testing, weapon analysis, and video enhancement from the crime scene. Tanner noted that the gunfire stemmed from a dispute among a few individuals known to each other in the community. “We had 700 people at this party, and yet we have not received any credible witness accounts,” he remarked.

The sheriff displayed hope that community members would share what they know, albeit anonymously through platforms like Crimestoppers, fearing retaliation is hindering cooperation. Tanner elaborated on the chaotic scene, indicating that a significant number of shots fired in a densely packed crowd inevitably lead to casualties.

At a community briefing conducted on Wednesday, Tanner detailed how investigative processes would primarily rely on physical evidence rather than eyewitness statements. He confirmed that the investigation involves sending shell casings and bullet fragments to state authorities, while the FBI works on enhancing video footage from inside and outside the venue.

The shooting claimed the lives of Kashawn Glaze, 22; Chiraad Smalls, 33; Amos Gary, 54; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22. Sheriff Tanner underscored his commitment to support the victims' families, vowing to ensure that any legal actions taken will be thorough and well-supported by evidence.

Willie’s Bar and Grill, which serves Gullah-inspired cuisine, holds a significant place in the community, being a hub for local gatherings. The island’s approximately 5,000 Gullah residents trace their lineage back to enslaved West Africans, further investing the incident within a historical context that reverberates through the community.

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