Panic gripped the quiet coastal town of Little River on May 25 night as a mass shooting left at least 11 people injured in a residential neighbourhood near the Intracoastal Waterway. The terrifying incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m., sending shockwaves through the community and triggering a massive emergency response.
According to the Horry County Police Department, the victims were rushed to hospitals, while others arrived at emergency rooms in private vehicles, raising concerns that the number of injured may rise. The conditions of the wounded have not been disclosed as authorities continue their investigation.
The area, located just 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach, is typically known for its tranquil setting and boating businesses. On May 25 night, however, that calm was shattered by a hail of gunfire that left residents reeling and first responders scrambling.
Dozens of police cruisers and ambulances flooded the scene as investigators cordoned off the crime zone. Despite the chaotic aftermath, police confirmed about 90 minutes later that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident and that there was no further threat to the community. However, no suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made so far.
Authorities remain tight-lipped about the motive behind the shooting, urging the public to come forward with any information that might aid the investigation. “Investigators were getting reports of more people arriving at the hospital in private vehicles,” the Horry County Police Department posted on social media, underscoring the evolving nature of the case.
This shooting comes just weeks after another mass shooting in Myrtle Beach only 20 miles away in which one person was killed and 11 injured. That incident, which occurred during a street brawl on North Ocean Boulevard, also highlighted growing concerns about gun violence in popular tourist destinations across South Carolina.
As police piece together the sequence of events in Little River, fear and frustration are mounting among residents who say such violence is unprecedented in their close-knit community.
The Horry County Police Department has launched a full-scale investigation and is appealing to the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
