4 Killed and at Least 20 Injured After Mass Shooting at Busy Bar in South Carolina By Escher Walcott

Four people were killed and at least 20 others were injured after gunfire erupted at a busy eatery in South Carolina.

At around 1 a.m. local time on Sunday, Oct. 12, authorities responded to reports of a shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said in a news release shared on Facebook.

Hundreds of people had been at the location before “multiple victims and witnesses” ran to nearby businesses “seeking shelter from the gunshots.”

“Upon arriving at the scene, deputies made contact with a large crowd of people, several of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds,” said the BCSO, per the news release. 

Police said four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while at least 20 others were injured in the shooting. Four people, who were in critical condition, were transported to local hospitals. 

“More victims continued to show up at area hospitals seeking medical attention from injuries sustained at the scene,” said the BCSO. The victims’ names have not been released at this time.

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Authorities are investigating persons of interest with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and the Beaufort County EMS team, according to the BSCO news release.

“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone. We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident,” the BCSO concluded.

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South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said in a statement on X that she was “completely heartbroken” over the shooting incident.

“Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence,” she wrote.

The incident in South Carolina comes less than a month after three people were killed and several others were wounded in a shooting at the American Fish Company waterfront restaurant in North Carolina on Sept. 27.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the South Carolina shooting to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County.

PEOPLE has contacted Willie’s Bar and Grill and the BCSO for comment.