ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. () — What began as a reunion for local high school alumni at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island unexpectedly turned tragic, as gunfire erupted, resulting in fear, mayhem, and the loss of lives.
“It was like a rapid fire. Rapid fire. Like bow bow bow bow bow,” said an employee of Willie’s Bar and Grill, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Employees replayed the terrifying events that transpired last night to .
Once shots rang out, employees said it became “total chaos”.
“People rushed into the kitchen, shouting ‘they’re shooting.’ I asked where it was happening, and they said outside. Everyone bolted for the back door, gripped by panic and uncertainty,” recounted an employee.
Shots were fired outside around 1 a.m. on Sunday, where around 100 people gathered for a Battery Creek High School alumni event.
The Beaufort County School District clarified that the gathering was neither approved nor organized by Battery Creek High School Administration or the district itself.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the mass shooting took 4 lives and injured over 20, with some still in critical condition.
“This could be one of the darkest days on St. Helena, you know, and this happened on my front porch,” said owner of the Bar and Grill, Willie Turral.
Turral and employees were back at the venue just hours after police had cleared the scene, cleaning up the chaos left behind.
Turral said he is still trying to process the devastation.
“In situations like this, your heart aches because somebody’s child didn’t make it home,” expressed Turral, fighting back tears. “As the owner, you strive to ensure everyone’s safety, but it’s not straightforward. The issue runs deeper.”
When asked what happened that lead to the shooting, Turral, employees nor anyone in the area could give an answer.
They said whatever it was, it never needed to end how it did.
“People need to understand there’s no gain in harming others. If there’s a conflict, address it elsewhere—don’t bring it here,” an employee emphasized.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. They urge anyone with information to contact Beaufort County CRIMESTOPPERS.
