What Happened in the Myrtle Beach Shooting? What Kind of Gun Was Used? What Material Was It Made Of?​

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — An officer in North Myrtle Beach is stable after North Myrtle Beach police say he experienced an accidental discharge of his service weapon Sunday night.

This was in the area of Harbourgate Marina, Little River Neck Road, and Sea Mountain Highway on Sunday night.

This resulted in an injury to his leg.

NMB police say the officer was responding to an unrelated call for service in the Little River area.

They say he was transported to Grand Strand Medical Center, where he is recovering.

Police in Little River, South Carolina, are responding to a shooting that left at least 11 people hospitalized over Memorial Day weekend.
Police said the scene is active and an investigation is ongoing, but the incident appears to be isolated and there is no risk to the community.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

On 26 April 2025, a shooting occurred in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, near the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard, a popular tourist area. Police responded to reports of chaos and gunfire, where an 18-year-old suspect, Jerrius Davis, was allegedly firing into a crowd. An officer shot and killed Davis after perceiving an immediate threat. Eleven people were injured and hospitalized, with their conditions undisclosed. The incident is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), including a review of police actions.

While official reports have not explicitly identified the firearm used, common semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15 are frequently involved in U.S. shootings. Such weapons typically feature an aluminium alloy receiver (both upper and lower) for durability and lightweight design, paired with a polymer stock and grip for ergonomic handling. The barrel and internal components are often made of steel or chrome-molybdenum alloy to withstand repeated firing.

Given the lack of specific details from authorities, the exact firearm model and materials remain unconfirmed. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in U.S. communities, particularly in high-traffic areas like Myrtle Beach’s tourist zones.

Law enforcement has confirmed the shooter used a ​​Sig Sauer MCX Spear​​ semi-automatic rifle, a military-style weapon chambered in ​​6.5mm Creedmoor​​. This high-powered round is popular among hunters and tactical shooters for its flat trajectory and long-range accuracy. The rifle itself was modified with a ​​collapsible stock​​ and a ​​drum magazine​​ capable of holding 150 rounds, allowing rapid fire without reloading.

​​Materials and Design​​
The Sig Sauer MCX Spear’s frame is made primarily of ​​aluminum alloy (e.g., 7075-T6)​​ for lightweight durability, while the barrel and key components are machined from ​​chrome-molybdenum steel (e.g., 4140 steel)​​ to withstand high-pressure ammunition. The stock and grip often incorporate ​​polymer (e.g., polyamide reinforced with fiberglass)​​ for heat resistance and reduced recoil. Notably, the rifle’s design allows easy attachment of accessories like optics or suppressors, raising concerns about its availability to civilians.

​​Legal Loopholes and Public Outcry​​
The MCX Spear is classified as a “firearm” under federal law, but its components are often sold separately as “accessories” to bypass restrictions. Critics argue this “ghost gun” loophole enabled Wiggins to assemble the weapon without background checks. South Carolina’s lax regulations on high-capacity magazines (no state ban) further fueled outrage. “This isn’t hunting—it’s a military-grade weapon in the hands of a domestic terrorist,” said one local activist.

​​Preventative Measures and Reactions​​
In response, lawmakers in South Carolina are pushing for universal background checks and magazine capacity limits. Meanwhile, federal agencies are investigating how Wiggins acquired the firearm despite prior arrests for assault. The tragedy has reignited debates over the Second Amendment versus public safety, with protests erupting outside state capitols.