At least four people were killed and four others critically injured after an early-morning shooting on Sunday at a bar on St. Helena, an island off the coast of South Carolina, according to the authorities.
Shortly before 1 a.m., the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of a shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill, the office said in a statement.
When deputies arrived, they found several people with gunshot wounds. Officials said that hundreds of people were at the bar when the shooting happened, and multiple victims and witnesses ran to nearby businesses to escape the gunfire.
At least four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and four others were transported to hospitals in critical condition.
At least 12 other people were injured, Lt. Daniel Allen said on Sunday morning. They had gunshot wounds or minor cuts or bruises, he said.
The sheriff’s office said it was investigating “persons of interest.” It was not immediately known what led up to the shooting.
“This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,” the office said in the statement.
Representative Nancy Mace, who represents the congressional district that includes St. Helena, said on social media that she was “completely heartbroken,” by the shooting. “Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.”
Adeel Hassan contributed reporting.
Jonathan Wolfe is a Times reporter based in London, covering breaking news.
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