A Memorial Day weekend in South Carolina turned chaotic as reports of gunfire in the beach town of Little River left residents and visitors stunned. As details emerged, authorities scrambled to respond to a rapidly developing and unsettling scene.

According to Daily Mail, at least 11 individuals were transported to local hospitals after a mass shooting erupted Sunday night. Law enforcement and emergency crews swarmed Watson Avenue, a mostly residential street about 20 miles from Myrtle Beach, as the community grappled with yet another instance of holiday violence.

Police have stated that the incident appears to be isolated and say there is no further risk to the public. Several people, however, were taken to hospitals in personal vehicles before emergency responders arrived, and authorities continue to investigate the motive and seek potential suspects.

Residents describe chaos and panic

As the sun set over Little River, what should have been a peaceful Sunday evening quickly devolved into panic and confusion. Police say shots rang out just after 9:30 pm, with the Horry County Police Department and county fire rescue teams responding within minutes. Video footage captured the urgency of the moment, showing a flood of emergency vehicles converging on the scene.

Stunned residents took to social media to share their experiences, with many reporting that they heard the unmistakable sound of gunshots. Some described seeing people running for cover as authorities tried to secure the area.

Community members were urged to stay away from Watson Avenue while the active investigation continued. Police have not confirmed how many of the victims sustained gunshot wounds versus other injuries during the chaos.

Police response under scrutiny

Horry County Fire Rescue confirmed that at least 11 individuals were taken to area hospitals, but the total number of those injured remains unclear. Law enforcement officials said they received additional reports of victims being transported in private vehicles, raising concerns about the true scale of the incident.

Authorities released an update at 11 pm, emphasizing that the shooting was likely an isolated event. They reassured the public there was no ongoing threat, but details remain scarce as investigators comb through evidence and interview witnesses.

While emergency responders worked to help the wounded, a separate incident added to the night’s tension. North Myrtle Beach Police reported that one of their officers, responding to an unrelated call in the Little River area, accidentally shot himself in the leg. The officer was hospitalized in stable condition, with officials confirming that no one else was hurt by the unintentional discharge.

Holiday celebrations marred by violence

This shooting occurred shortly after another major disruption in the area. On Saturday night, a stampede broke out during a Memorial Day concert at Black Bike Week in Atlantic Beach, which is roughly nine miles from Little River. According to interim Town Manager Linda Cheatham, several fights broke out at the event, sparking panic and leading to multiple injuries as attendees rushed to safety.

Cheatham stated, “There were a couple of fights that broke out causing panic in the crowd and several people were injured trying to leave the area.” She added that police and medical teams responded quickly, pausing the music but allowing the festival to continue until its scheduled end at 3am.

Black Bike Week, also known as the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, draws more than 400,000 visitors each year. This year marked the event’s 45th anniversary, making the violence particularly striking for organizers and attendees.

Uncertainty and questions remain

As of Monday, authorities had not identified any suspects in the Little River shooting. The Horry County Police Department reiterated that the investigation was ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Officers continued to monitor the area and collect statements from witnesses.

Community reactions have been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the apparent lack of immediate answers while others voiced support for law enforcement’s swift response. Many residents remain concerned about the safety of holiday gatherings and question what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, officials are urging the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with investigators. The sense of unease in Little River lingers as families and visitors come to terms with the events of a weekend meant for remembrance and celebration.