11 people hospitalized after Memorial Day Weekend boat shooting in Little River, South Carolina
Memorial Day weekend celebrations in South Carolina turned violent with a party boat shooting injuring 11, a police officer accidentally wounded. Authorities now face urgent questions about safety and emergency response during holiday events.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, a shooting took place in Little River, South Carolina during a Memorial Day weekend event. The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. on a private party boat that had just returned to the dock near the Intracoastal Waterway. Eleven individuals were hospitalized, according to the Horry County Police Department. Ten had gunshot wounds, while the lone additional victim had sustained a non-gun related injury. Law enforcement officers were able to get to the scene quickly and they are still investigating into the incident.
Police believe the shooting was an isolated incident due to a dispute at the private event, and although there is a large number of injuries, they assured the public there is no ongoing threat to the community. The area was cordoned off, allowing the officers enough time to collect evidence and interview witnesses. As of yet, no arrests have been made. Police are asking for anyone with information to reach out.
Officer accidentally shot amid Memorial Day violence
In another isolated incident in the vicinity, the unintended discharge of a firearm resulted in an officer accidentally shooting himself in the leg. The officer was handling another call at a neighboring marina when this took place. He was transported to a local facility, and he is considered stable. No connection exists between the two incident, and an internal investigation for the officer's injury is underway.
The Little River incident was part of various acts of violence throughout the nation over the holiday weekend. In Jackson, Tennessee, seven people were shot in a park. In Colorado Springs, six people were shot at another incident. Chicago had multiple shootings that night, resulting in two deaths and various injuries. All of this activity can only raise the question of public safety on national holidays.
Festival stampede in SC adds to Memorial Day Weekend chaos
Additionally, in Atlantic Beach, SC, a stampede occurring at a bike and cultural festival resulted in 12 people being transported by emergency services to the hospital. This event was unrelated to the shooting in Little River, SC, but ultimately added to all the chaos of the weekend. ER personnel were overwhelmed across the state by numerous other emergencies. The festival stampede involved panic related to an altercation that was unrelated to the actual panic incident. There are concerns now about crowd control and emergency planning.
Investigators continue to work the case in Little River, SC, and have pledged to provide updates as facts dictate. The Horry County Police Department continues to collect information including witness accounts, video footage and the status of the permissions/briefings related to the party boat. Community members have been instructed to follow along, remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. The condition of the victims is stable and there have not been any reported fatalities at this time.
