A peaceful Memorial Day weekend in Little River, South Carolina, took a terrifying turn when a mass shooting broke out during a large gathering, leaving at least 12 people injured.
The shooting happened late Saturday night at an event off Highway 57 South, where many had come together to celebrate the holiday weekend.
According to the Horry County Police Department, officers were called to the scene around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
The area quickly turned chaotic as gunfire erupted, sending people running for cover. When law enforcement arrived, they found multiple people hurt by gunfire. Emergency responders acted fast, helping victims and rushing them to nearby hospitals.
Police have confirmed that 12 people were hurt in the shooting. Some of them were seriously injured and had to be taken for emergency treatment.
At the time of writing, no deaths have been reported. However, the condition of several victims is still unknown.
The shooting has shocked the local community. Little River is known for being a peaceful place, especially during the holiday season when families come together to relax and spend time outdoors.
Witnesses say the event was like a cookout or a block party, where people were dancing, eating, and enjoying the evening until the violence started without warning.
Videos circulating on social media show a large crowd gathered in a grassy area near the road just before the gunshots were fired. People are seen panicking and trying to escape as the sound of rapid gunfire is heard in the background. Some witnesses said there were more than a dozen shots fired in a very short time.
Police have not yet released information about the shooter or any possible motive behind the attack.
They are currently investigating what led to the shooting and are asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward with information. No arrests have been made so far, and police say they are following up on several leads.
Officials from the Horry County Police Department are working with other law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), to gather evidence and track down those responsible.
Officers were seen canvassing the area on Sunday, speaking with residents, and collecting possible video footage from nearby homes and businesses.
The incident has raised questions about safety during public gatherings and holiday celebrations. Many locals say more needs to be done to ensure such events are secure and do not end in tragedy. Parents, in particular, are worried, as many young people were present at the time of the shooting.
One local resident told reporters, “It was supposed to be a fun night. We were just dancing and having a good time. Then, out of nowhere, the shots started, and everyone ran. It was like something out of a nightmare.”
As of now, police have not declared the shooting as gang-related or a targeted attack. Investigators are still trying to figure out whether the violence was random or if someone specific was being targeted at the event.
Horry County authorities are urging anyone with video or photos from that night to share it with them. They say that even small details could help in identifying those involved.
The Memorial Day weekend is typically a time to remember those who served the country and celebrate with friends and family. But for the residents of Little River, this year’s celebration will now be remembered as a night of fear and chaos.
Officials are expected to release further updates in the coming days as the investigation continues. In the meantime, the community is rallying together, offering prayers and support to the victims and their families. Many have expressed hope that the shooter will be caught soon and that justice will be served.