BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — Tragedy struck a picturesque South Carolina island when a mass shooting at a bustling bar claimed the lives of four people and injured at least 20 more, according to authorities.

The incident took place early Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island. A sizable crowd was present when sheriff’s deputies arrived to discover numerous individuals with gunshot wounds.

“Many victims and witnesses sought refuge in nearby businesses and areas to escape the gunfire,” the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office mentioned in a statement online.

“This is a tragic and challenging situation for all involved. We ask for the community’s patience as we proceed with our investigation. Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families,” the statement continued.

Upon arrival, officials found four individuals deceased at the location, with at least 20 others injured. Among the injured, four were reported to be in critical condition at local hospitals.

The victims’ identities were not released.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace expressed her grief on X, stating, “COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to hear about the devastating events in Beaufort County. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this terrible violence.”

St. Helena Island is considered the largest Gullah community on the South Carolina coast. An estimated 5,000 or more people living there are descended from slaves who worked rice plantations in the area before they were freed by the Civil War.

Smaller enclaves of Gullah, referred to as Geechee in some areas, are scattered along the Southeast coast from North Carolina to Florida. Scholars say separation from the mainland caused the Gullah to retain much of their African heritage, including a unique dialect and skills such as cast-net fishing and basket weaving.