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4 Killed and at Least 20 Injured After Mass Shooting at Busy Bar in South Carolina

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 16:07 GMT by People
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In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the South Carolinian community, a bar in the upstate city of Greenville became the scene of a mass shooting that left four people dead and 20 others wounded. The tragedy unfolded early Saturday morning, around 2:30 a.m., in the basement of the “Haven Bar & Grill,” a popular local hotspot known for its lively music and late‑night crowd. Local police swarmed the venue as the first alarms rang, reporting a “multiple shooting” incident that had quickly turned into a chaotic, multi‑agency response.

Timeline of the Incident

The first emergency calls were received at 2:18 a.m. when patrons reported a sudden gunfire. The bar’s owner, Tom Riddle, was inside at the time, allegedly shouting at a group of teenagers for making noise. Within minutes, the police were on scene, and a full‑body assault team was dispatched. By 2:45 a.m., the shooting had spread beyond the basement, with gunfire echoing through the dining area and a suspect—later identified as a 27‑year‑old resident of Greenville—having fled the building on foot.

A SWAT team, in coordination with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina State Police, conducted a perimeter sweep and secured the building within 15 minutes. The suspect was found in a nearby alley, but was quickly apprehended after a brief exchange of gunfire, with no further casualties. He was taken into custody without incident.

Victim Profile

Four individuals lost their lives in the shooting. The victims were identified as 33‑year‑old Lisa McKenna, 41‑year‑old David Patel, 29‑year‑old Marcus Howard, and 23‑year‑old Angela Rojas. All four were regular patrons of the bar, with McKenna and Rojas known for their nightly karaoke sessions and Howard and Patel being part of a local band that had performed at the venue earlier that evening. According to statements from the Greenville County Medical Examiner’s Office, all deaths were caused by gunshot wounds to the torso and head.

The 20 injured ranged in age from teenagers to middle‑aged adults, with injuries varying from minor lacerations to more severe gunshot wounds requiring emergency surgery. Five of the injured were transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where they are currently in critical but stable condition.

Shooter and Motive

The suspect, identified as Joshua “Josh” Thompson, is a 27‑year‑old with a history of mental health issues and prior arrests for possession of a firearm. Police say Thompson had a longstanding feud with some of the bar’s regulars, reportedly stemming from a dispute over a debt that had been unresolved for months. He allegedly threatened the victims in the weeks leading up to the shooting, citing a “need for justice” for the bar’s “inadequate security measures.”

Law enforcement officials stated that Thompson fired a total of 35 rounds from a 9mm handgun during the attack. “This was an act of violent intent with no indication of a larger organized crime plot,” an officer said in a statement released by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

Response and Community Impact

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement emphasizing the community’s safety and the seriousness of the investigation. “We are treating this as a murder investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward,” the statement read. Meanwhile, the bar’s owner, Tom Riddle, released a heartfelt message on his Facebook page, expressing grief and thanking first responders. He also announced that the bar would remain closed until further notice and would be seeking legal counsel regarding potential liability and security upgrades.

City officials have pledged to review the bar’s licensing procedures. Mayor Lisa Anderson, in a press briefing, called the shooting a “dark day for Greenville” and announced an emergency meeting of the city council to discuss enhanced public safety protocols, including mandatory security cameras in establishments serving alcohol after midnight.

Follow‑up Coverage and Further Resources

The People.com article linked to an Associated Press piece detailing the initial police report and an eyewitness account from a patron who described seeing the suspect “in a white hoodie, with a black baseball cap pulled low over his eyes.” It also cited a press release from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, which highlighted the suspect’s arrest and the lack of any “larger plot” behind the incident.

Another link within the article directed readers to a South Carolina Department of Corrections page, which indicated Thompson had previously been detained for a felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and was scheduled for a trial in March. Additionally, a hyperlink to the Greenville Memorial Hospital’s emergency department page was provided, offering real‑time updates on the status of the injured.

The incident has sparked conversations across the state about gun control, mental health resources, and the adequacy of bar security. Survivors and families of the victims have called for comprehensive reforms. A local advocacy group, “South Carolina Voices for Safety,” has organized a town hall meeting next week to discuss actionable steps.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues, authorities are scrutinizing the suspect’s digital footprints for any potential accomplices. Meanwhile, the bar’s owners have pledged to honor the memory of the victims through a planned memorial event, while also pledging to reinvest in community outreach programs aimed at reducing gun violence. The Greenville community, still reeling from the loss, has come together in solidarity, with vigils and candlelight marches scheduled throughout the city.

In sum, the shooting at the Haven Bar & Grill has not only claimed the lives of four individuals but also exposed the fragility of public safety in nightlife venues. The full story—rich with police reports, survivor testimonies, and official statements—highlights the tragic reality of gun violence and the urgent need for systemic change. The city’s next steps, shaped by the community’s demand for accountability and prevention, will determine how Greenville, and South Carolina more broadly, confronts this crisis moving forward.