A mass shooting at a crowded family-friendly restaurant in South Carolina left four people dead and at least 20 customers injured, according to police.
The horror unfolded around 1am Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island, about two hours from Charleston.
Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene after multiple gunshot reports came in.
When authorities arrived, they witnessed a massive crowd and several people suffering from gunshot wounds, the department said.
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.
A total of four victims were transported to local hospital in critical condition by Beaufort County EMS. Four unidentified victims died at the scene.
At least two dozen were injured by gunfire and showed up to the hospital on their own with injuries, per authorities.
A deadly mass shooting took place around 1am Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island, South Carolina (Pictured: Undated photo of the restaurant’s interior)
Police cars and a fire truck are pictured at the scene of the shooting
Willie Turral, the owner of the restaurant, said one of the people killed was a security officer who was also a personal friend of his
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said they are currently investigating ‘persons of interest’ and have asked the public to come forward with any information.
‘This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,’ the department said.
‘We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones.’
Willie Turral, the owner of the restaurant, called the unthinkable scene ‘mayhem’ after hearing what he said sounded like machine gun fire ring out.
He told WJCL one of the people killed was a security officer he knew personally.
‘He was the son of my father’s best friend. I had just spoken to him the night before,’ Turral said, as he wiped aware tears.
He said they were celebrating an alumni party there after recent renovations at his business.
For now, he and his staff are leaning on each other, Turral said.
The eatery is known as ‘a hub of warmth and friendship in the heart of our beloved community’
‘Right now, my priority is the families of the victims and my staff’s well-being,’ he told the outlet.
The Daily Mail contacted the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and Willie’s Bar and Grill for comment.
St. Helena Island is known for its ‘rural character’ that offers agriculture and fun activities like shrimping and fishing, according to Visit Beaufort.
The sea island is known for it’s family-run restaurants that serve local produce and fresh seafood.
It is also known to be a major hub for the Gullah And Geechee culture, which was created by descendants of Central and West Africans who were enslaved on the Sea Islands.
The community has preserved the Creole language, folk traditions and food customs.
Willie’s Bar and Grill appears to be very involved in the community’s traditions, as it hosted a Gullah Art Expo just weeks ago, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said they are currently investigating ‘persons of interest’ and have asked the public to come forward with any information
This shooting comes just weeks after a man opened fire at a packed dockside restaurant in Southport, North Carolina.
The accused shooter, Nigel Edge, 39, was taken into custody after he allegedly shot at the American Fish Company restaurant, a popular tourist hotspot, on September 27.
Several shots rang out before Edge allegedly fled the scene on the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island – about 40 minutes outside of Wilmington – in what officials referred to a a ‘premediated attack.’
Three people were killed and six were injured in the horrid incident.
Edge, who cops described as a ‘lone wolf’ in the incident, was armed with an assault rifle, police said. Other firearms were also found in his vehicle.
