Little River Mass Shooting: Latest Updates on Victims, Suspect, Motive, and Community Response

Subheading: Holiday-weekend violence rocks normally tranquil coastal community Little River, S.C. — An evening of Memorial Day festivities turned chaotic Sunday night when gunfire erupted on Watson Avenue, sending at least 11 people to area hospitals and shattering the calm of this Grand Strand community. Horry County Police confirmed that additional victims may have sought treatment in private vehicles, meaning the total number of injured from the Little River mass shooting could rise as the investigation unfolds. What we know so far • Shots rang out shortly before 10 p.m. near the Intracoastal Waterway, roughly 25 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach. • Eleven victims were transported by EMS; their conditions have not been released. • A North Myrtle Beach officer responding to the scene sustained a leg wound when his service weapon discharged accidentally, according to Myrtle Beach Police. • Detectives believe the shooting was isolated to the initial location and say “there is no ongoing threat to the community,” yet they urged residents to avoid the area while evidence technicians work through the night. Search for suspects Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified potential shooters. Investigators are reviewing surveillance cameras from nearby marinas, condos and businesses that line the bustling coastal artery. They are also appealing for eyewitness videos recorded during the crowded holiday weekend, a period that typically brings thousands of tourists to Little River’s popular deep-sea fishing charters and casino boats. Community reaction Long-time resident Marsha Kelly described hearing “a rapid string of pops that didn’t sound like fireworks.” Within minutes, sirens overwhelmed the waterfront’s normal soundtrack of boat horns and live music. “This is a tight-knit town. We never expected a mass casualty event,” she said, echoing widespread shock along the Grand Strand. Gun violence context South Carolina has witnessed a series of high-profile shootings in recent years, spurring renewed debate over statewide gun-safety legislation. According to FBI data, Horry County’s violent-crime rate has edged upward, fueled in part by the seasonal influx of visitors to Myrtle Beach and neighboring resort towns. Sunday’s Little River mass shooting becomes the latest entry in a grim national ledger of holiday-weekend attacks. Official response Governor Henry McMaster’s office stated it is monitoring developments and offered state resources if needed. Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill vowed a “relentless, round-the-clock investigation” and asked anyone with information to call the department’s tip line at 843-915-8477. Victim advocates from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) have been dispatched to assist families. Traffic and safety advisories Watson Avenue and portions of U.S. 17 remained partially closed early Monday as crime-scene teams canvassed for shell casings and ballistic evidence. Drivers should expect detours toward North Myrtle Beach until at least midday. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Horry County emergency alerts for real-time updates. What’s next Detectives will release additional details—including possible motives, the number of shooters involved and victim identities—after interviewing witnesses and reviewing forensic results. Follow this page for continuing coverage of the Little River mass shooting, impact on holiday tourism and evolving public-safety measures across South Carolina’s coast. Call to action Were you near Watson Avenue around 9:45 p.m. Sunday? Upload videos or tips via the Horry County Police online portal. Your evidence could help investigators piece together the timeline and bring those responsible to justice.