BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — A mass shooting at a crowded bar on St. Helena Island early Sunday morning has left four people dead and at least 20 injured, according to officials. The shooting unfolded at Willie’s Bar and Grill, where a large crowd gathered for a social event when deputies arrived and found several people bearing gunshot wounds. Victims and bystanders rushed to adjacent businesses for cover during the chaos, as reported by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. “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 read. Among those injured, four are reported to be in critical condition at local hospitals. The establishment is owned by Willie Turral Food Services, who noted that the bar was hosting a Battery Creek High School alumni tailgate event at the time of the shooting. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressed her heartbreak over the incident, stating, “COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN to learn about the devastating shooting in Beaufort County. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.” St. Helena Island, recognized as the largest Gullah community along the South Carolina coast, has a rich heritage with roots tracing back to the slave era, retaining much of its African cultural identity.