SC - Mass shooting at crowded family-friendly restaurant in St. Helena Island as four are killed and 20 injured - 12 October 2025

[justtrish]

Something else I'm a bit bewildered about is that hundreds were there. This establishment isn't very large and the parking lot is small. plus, a northeastern was blowing through so there was plenty of rain and wind. Where were these people?

I was also wondering about this. That is a lot of people for that time of night in a small bar.

 

[Gemmie]

Something else I'm a bit bewildered about is that hundreds were there. This establishment isn't very large and the parking lot is small. plus, a northeastern was blowing through so there was plenty of rain and wind. Where were these people?

What I had read is that they were outside.

Willie Turral, the owner of Willie's Bar and Grill, told ABC affiliate station WJCL in Savannah that "mayhem" broke out at the bar after gunfire erupted outside his establishment.

"I'm not sure of everything that took place in terms of what exactly happened. The shooting occurred, but it occurred outside and I was inside," Turral told WJCL.

At least 4 killed, 16 injured in bar shooting in St. Helena Island, South Carolina: Sheriff

The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m., according to the sheriff's office.

abcnews.go.com

Here's what it looks like outside:

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[Gemmie]

Around a hundred people there and there isn't even a description of the vehicle?

Maybe their attention was focused elsewhere (into having a good time) and their eyes weren't acting like a Ring Camera? IOW - enjoying life and not focused on recording bad things that might happen to them.

JMO

 

[LadyL]

The bar’s owner said he closed the bar back in December because he wanted to make renovations and upgrades to prevent incidents like this from happening.

People were back at Willie’s Bar and Grill Sunday morning, cleaning up the aftermath of a shooting that has killed four people and injured 20.

4 dead, at least 20 injured in mass shooting on St. Helena Island

Four people are dead and at least 20 others injured after a shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island early Sunday morning, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

www.wtoc.com

 

[Wallendo]

There seems to be a lot of spin attached to the reporting of this case. “Family Friendly” isn’ta good description of a place filled with hundreds of people at 1 AM. Especially when the owner says he closed the bar 10 months ago to make renovations to try and prevent events like this from happening.

From what little information we have, I suspect a gang-related incident with multiple shooters involved.

Gang-related shootings at bars are not rare in the Lowcountry. They usually don’t get much press and aren’t picked up on Websleuths.

I was bothered by the fact that this took place in Frogmore s Frogmore Stew is one of my favorite foods to cook for family events.

 

[sallye818]

I've wondered if it's gang-related also, and why there is not much press or coverage. I'm assuming you're local? Thanks for pointing those things out.

 

[CityKid]

"Mass shooting erupts
at crowded family-friendly restaurant in South Carolina
as four are killed and 20 injured.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1977377754325590324

View attachment 619437

The horror unfolded around 1am Sunday
at Willie's Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island,
about two hours from Charleston.

Hundreds gathered at the establishment,
known as 'a hub of warmth and friendship in the heart of our beloved community',
according to the restaurant's website.

Multiple victims and witnesses ran for their lives to nearby properties and businesses seeking shelter,
police said."

View attachment 619438

"Family-friendly" is an odd choice to describe a place with a party taking place at 1 a.m. MOO

 

[vls12345]

'Bodies on the ground': Beaufort County bar owner describes scene following deadly mass shooting

Willie Turral, the owner of Willie's Bar and Grill, said he heard what he described as machine gun fire around 1 a.m. Sunday.

www.wjcl.com

 

[vls12345]

Timeline: What we know about the mass shooting on St. Helena Island

Here's what we know about the events surrounding the deadly mass shooting on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County.

www.wjcl.com

 

[vls12345]

Video shows law enforcement response after deadly Beaufort County mass shooting

Officials confirm four people were killed and at least 20 others were injured.

www.wjcl.com

 

[vls12345]

'Something has to be done' mother says after deadly Beaufort County mass shooting

Phyllis Smart, who grew up on St. Helena Island, said her son was at Willie's Bar and Grill when gunfire erupted early Sunday morning.

www.wjcl.com

 

[vls12345]

Beaufort County School District releases statement following mass shooting at St. Helena bar

The Beaufort County School District released a clarifying statement after reports that a mass shooting at a St. Helena bar was an alumni event.

www.wtoc.com

 

[vls12345]

Bar owner, St. Helena community left picking up the pieces after tragic mass shooting

“You saw people giving CPR, you saw people picking people up, people crying, people care like, this community didn’t do this. A person did this," said bar owner Willie Turral.

www.wtoc.com

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Bar owner, St. Helena community left picking up the pieces after tragic mass shooting

“You saw people giving CPR, you saw people picking people up, people crying, people care like, this community didn’t do this. A person did this," said bar owner Willie Turral.

www.wtoc.com

says "no threat to the community". Doesn't that usually mean a suspect is in custody......

 

[Gemmie]

"Family-friendly" is an odd choice to describe a place with a party taking place at 1 a.m. MOO

I don't find calling Willie's "family friendly" odd in the least. IMO that description was describing the restaurant during normal business hours (meal time), not describing a one-off party/alumni event that took place late into the evening.

JMO

 

[Gemmie]

Willie's FB page:

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[Gemmie]

From Willie's website which speaks to why they are called "family friendly":

At Willie's, we're more than just a restaurant; we're your go-to gathering place, a hub of warmth and friendship in the heart of our beloved community. Step inside, and you'll discover more than delicious Gullah-inspired dishes; you'll find a home away from home, where lasting memories are crafted one meal at a time.

Our journey began with a simple dream: to serve the most mouthwatering Gullah-inspired cuisine that pays tribute to our rich heritage and celebrates the flavors that define our community. Each dish on our menu is crafted with love, passed down through generations, and perfected to tantalize your taste buds.

But we're not just about great food but about great company. We believe in the power of friendship and the joy of breaking bread together. At Willie's, you're not just our guest but our friend. Our warm and energetic team is here to ensure every visit feels like a reunion with old pals, where laughter echoes and smiles are served alongside every meal.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. We're not just a restaurant but a community pillar committed to giving back, especially to our youth. We believe in nurturing the next generation, inspiring them to dream big, and providing them opportunities to thrive. Your support at Willie's directly contributes to these initiatives, making every meal more meaningful.

So, whether you're joining us for a comforting breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a delightful dinner, know that you're not just savoring our dishes; you're creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join us at Willie's Breakfast Bar and Grill, where every meal celebrates friendship, flavor, and the heartwarming spirit of the Gullah Geechee culture. We're building a legacy, one plate and one friendship at a time.

About | Willie's

Experience the true essence of Gullah-American cuisine at Willie's Bar and Grill. From soulful dishes to craft beers and fine wines, our restaurant offers an authentic taste of Southern hospitality. Join us for a unique culinary journey where food, beer, and wine converge to create an...

www.gullahlove.com

 

[Quill]

There seems to be a lot of spin attached to the reporting of this case. “Family Friendly” isn’ta good description of a place filled with hundreds of people at 1 AM. Especially when the owner says he closed the bar 10 months ago to make renovations to try and prevent events like this from happening.

From what little information we have, I suspect a gang-related incident with multiple shooters involved.

Gang-related shootings at bars are not rare in the Lowcountry. They usually don’t get much press and aren’t picked up on Websleuths.

I was bothered by the fact that this took place in Frogmore s Frogmore Stew is one of my favorite foods to cook for family events.

This is very much like what went on in Mississippi this past weekend. It is all gang-related.

 

[CityKid]

I don't find calling Willie's "family friendly" odd in the least. IMO that description was describing the restaurant during normal business hours (meal time), not describing a one-off party/alumni event that took place late into the evening.

JMO

It may be a very family-friendly place. IMO that's not a descriptor than generally goes in a news-reporting story of a tragedy. At least it wouldn't fly in my journalism career.

 

[Gemmie]

It may be a very family-friendly place. IMO that's not a descriptor than generally goes in a news-reporting story of a tragedy. At least it wouldn't fly in my journalism career.

It is when the MSM source is someplace like the Daily Mail. JMO!