Breaking: Horry County Mass Shooting — Suspect Details, Victim Count, and Live Updates

Little River, S.C. — A Memorial Day weekend celebration turned chaotic late Sunday when gunfire erupted on Watson Avenue in the Little River community of Horry County, sending at least 11 people to area hospitals, according to the Horry County Police Department (HCPD). Witnesses reported a hail of bullets shortly after 9:30 p.m. outside a cluster of short-term rentals about three miles from U.S. 17. Within minutes, HCPD and Horry County Fire Rescue descended on the scene, rushing victims with gunshot wounds to Grand Strand Medical Center, McLeod Seacoast, and other nearby facilities. Investigators say additional wounded individuals arrived at hospitals in private vehicles, raising concerns that the total number of injured could climb. Crime-scene tape now stretches across multiple blocks of the normally quiet residential street as detectives comb for shell casings, review security-camera footage, and interview dozens of party-goers who scattered when shots rang out. “This remains an active investigation, but early indications suggest the incident was isolated and there is no broader threat to the public,” an HCPD spokesperson said. No fatalities have been confirmed as of Monday morning, and authorities have not released information on suspects or possible motives. Residents described hearing more than 20 shots in rapid succession. “People were running in every direction—cars speeding off, folks screaming for help,” said Crystal Hart, who lives two doors down. “It felt like it would never stop.” The shooting comes amid the Grand Strand’s busiest tourism stretch, with tens of thousands in town for the Atlantic Beach Bikefest and Memorial Day beach traffic. Horry County Council Chair Johnny Gardner called the violence “deeply unsettling” and urged visitors to remain calm but vigilant. Additional officers have been reassigned to patrol entertainment corridors in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach in the wake of the shooting. How you can help • Anyone who captured video, photos, or witnessed the incident is urged to contact HCPD’s Major Crimes Unit at 843-915-8477. • Anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 1-888-CRIME-SC or through the P3 Tips app. What’s next Detectives are awaiting ballistic reports and canvassing local hospitals for potential additional victims. Officials say they will hold a press conference once preliminary findings are confirmed. In the meantime, Watson Avenue remains closed between Pinehurst Road and Riverview Drive; commuters should use Highway 90 as a detour. Gun-violence advocates point out that Sunday’s rampage marks the fourth mass-injury shooting in South Carolina this year, renewing calls for stronger background checks and community-based intervention programs. State Rep. Tim McGinnis (R-Carolina Forest) announced plans to re-introduce a bill establishing a regional violence-intervention grant fund when the General Assembly reconvenes next month. This story will be updated as new details emerge.