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At least 11 people were hospitalized following a mass shooting on Sunday night, May 25, in Little River, a coastal community in South Carolina. The Horry County Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 9:30 p.m. on Watson Avenue, near the Intracoastal Waterway.
In a statement shared on social media, authorities said, "11 individuals had been transported to area hospitals by Horry County Fire Rescue," while noting that additional victims may have "arrived at area hospitals via personal vehicles." The conditions of the injured individuals remain undisclosed.
The shooting occurred just 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach. The area, which draws vacationers during the Memorial Day weekend, was flooded with emergency responders. Video footage captured dozens of ambulances and police vehicles at the scene.
The Horry County Police Department described the incident as an "isolated" shooting and emphasized that there was "no risk to the community at this time." They added, "Community members are advised to steer clear of the area as public safety personnel do their work." Authorities have not released any information regarding potential suspects or motives behind the violence. The investigation remains "active and ongoing."
In a separate but related incident, a North Myrtle Beach police officer responding to an unrelated call near the area of the shooting accidentally discharged his weapon and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. According to a statement from the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, "This evening, while responding to an unrelated call for service in the Little River area, a North Myrtle Beach Police Officer experienced an accidental discharge of his service weapon, resulting in an injury to his leg." The officer was transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that "no other individuals were injured, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety."
Police expressed gratitude to emergency responders, stating, "We are grateful for the quick response of medical personnel and assisting agencies." As of now, no arrests have been announced and further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
