A mass shooting at a crowded bar in South Carolina has left four people dead and at least 20 injured.
Local officials said the incident occurred early on Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St Helena Island.
A large crowd was at the scene when emergency services arrived and found several people with gunshot wounds.
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on X: “Multiple victims and witnesses ran to the nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gun shots.
“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone. We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident.”
Four people were found dead at the scene and at least 20 other people were injured. Among the injured, four are in a critical condition at area hospitals.
The victims’ identities have not been released.
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 on rice plantations in the area. – AP
