A mass shooting occurred on Sunday evening near North Myrtle Beach during a private Memorial Day gathering, leaving 11 people injured. The incident took place on a charter boat that was carrying approximately 124 people, including four crew members. Horry County police and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are investigating the shooting, which followed an altercation onboard the vessel. Three victims are still hospitalized, while eight have been released from the hospital. The Horry County Police Department (HCPD) described the shooting as an isolated incident, emphasizing that it was not connected to any broader criminal activity. HCPD Chief Kris Leonhardt stated, ‘This type of violence will not be tolerated in Horry County.’ Authorities are also investigating a separate incident where a North Myrtle Beach officer was injured by his own firearm while entering a dock gate. The officer was transported to a local hospital for surgery, and the incident has raised questions about the safety of the area. The shooting has come amid heightened concerns over crime in the region, following a previous incident in the Myrtle Beach entertainment district on April 26. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Horry County PD Crime Tip Line.
Initial reports indicate that the shooting began with an altercation on the charter boat, which escalated into gunfire. The Horry County Fire Department Chief Joseph Tanner noted that officers arrived at the scene shortly after 9:15 p.m. and found multiple gunshot-wounded individuals. The boat’s passengers were largely out-of-town visitors, which has complicated the identification of witnesses and the gathering of evidence. SLED has begun a separate investigation into the incident involving the officer who was injured by his own firearm. The officer’s rifle discharged accidentally while he was entering a gate, and the incident has led to questions about the reliability of the evidence collected during the initial response.
Authorities have issued a statement confirming that the officer’s rifle discharged, and the incident is being investigated by SLED. The officer’s injuries are described as non-life-threatening, but he underwent surgery for the wound to his leg. The shooting remains under investigation, and there is currently no associated risk to the broader community. The police department has emphasized the need for witnesses to come forward with any information, as the lack of local witnesses has complicated the case. The police department is also coordinating with federal and state agencies to ensure a comprehensive investigation. The presence of multiple law enforcement agencies, including HCPD and SLED, indicates the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the Myrtle Beach area, which has become a popular tourist destination. The area has seen a series of incidents, including a shooting in the entertainment district on April 26, which left one shooter dead and 11 victims injured. While officials described that event as an isolated incident, the latest shooting has intensified public concerns about the safety of the region. The police department has asked for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The local community continues to grapple with the impact of these events, with efforts being made to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and there is no official confirmation of the suspects’ identities or motives. The police department is conducting extensive interviews and reviewing footage from the scene to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The presence of multiple agencies suggests that the investigation is being approached with a high level of seriousness. The community is waiting for clarity on the circumstances of the shooting and hoping for a resolution that brings closure to the victims and their families. The authorities have reassured the public that they are doing their best to ensure justice and that the safety of the community is their top priority.