4 dead, 20 injured in shooting at South Carolina bar: authorities

BEAUFORT COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — Four people are dead and at least 20 more are injured after an overnight shooting at a crowded bar on the South Carolina island of St. Helena, authorities have confirmed.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened around 1 a.m. on Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill, where at least 100 people were gathered.

Several people were found suffering from gunshot wounds. BCSO confirmed at least 20 people were injured during the shooting. Four people were transported in critical condition to the hospital, while some gunshot victims arrived at the hospital on their own.

Four people were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims’ identities have not been released.

“Multiple victims and witnesses ran to the nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gun shots,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement on the social media platform X.

“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone. We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones,” the statement said.

BCSO said it is “investigating persons of interest,” but did not release any additional details.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.