Tybee Island Police Seek Public's Help After Pier Shooting

Authorities investigating unpermitted event where shots were fired, but no suspects or victims identified yet.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on the beach, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the evidence being investigated in this shooting incident.A single gunshot fired during an unpermitted event on Tybee Island has sparked an ongoing police investigation seeking public assistance.Tybee Island Today

Tybee Island police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred near the Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion on Saturday evening during an unpermitted pop-up event. Officers heard gunshots and the crowd scattered, but no suspects have been identified and no victims have come forward. Detectives have confirmed a single gunshot based on 911 calls and video footage, and are asking the public to help identify two individuals they believe have information about the investigation.

Why it matters

Tybee Island is a popular beach destination, and events without proper permits can pose public safety risks. The police are seeking the public's assistance to determine what happened and identify any potential suspects or witnesses to the shooting incident.

The details

According to Tybee Island Police Department Public Information Officer Cpt. Emory Randolph, people began arriving on Tybee Island on Saturday afternoon for an unpermitted pop-up event at the pier, which they estimated to be in the hundreds. Around 6:30 p.m., officers heard shots fired and the crowd began to scatter. After reviewing 911 calls and video footage, detectives have confirmed a single gunshot, which they believe may have originated from the beach below the pier based on the crowd's reactions.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2026 around 6:30 p.m.
  • Tybee Island police say they have identified one unpermitted event planned for the upcoming weekend on April 11, 2026.

The players

Tybee Island Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident near the Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion.

Cpt. Emory Randolph

The public information officer for the Tybee Island Police Department providing details about the investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Based on its proximity to the pier, and the reactions of the crowd, it may have originated from the beach below.”

— Tybee Island Police Department

What’s next

Tybee Island police are asking the public to help identify two individuals seen in video footage who they believe have information about the shooting incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential risks of unpermitted events and the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement investigations to ensure public safety on Tybee Island.