Antwan Bradley Arrested Following Florence Shooting That Left Two Injured and Juvenile Witness Traumatized
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. — A quiet Thursday night in Florence was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire, leaving two individuals injured and a juvenile emotionally shaken in an incident that has rattled an entire community. Authorities have arrested 26-year-old Antwan Bradley in connection with the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing as residents grapple with the unsettling aftermath.
The shooting unfolded in a residential neighborhood, a place where families are accustomed to peace, children playing, and neighbors exchanging greetings on front porches. But on that evening, tranquility turned to chaos as shots rang out, prompting frantic 911 calls and a swift response from local law enforcement.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene within minutes, discovering two individuals suffering from injuries related to the gunfire. Both were transported to a nearby medical facility where they received treatment. Fortunately, their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, but the emotional and psychological damage endured by all involved — especially a juvenile witness — is far more difficult to measure.
Arrest of Antwan Bradley
According to officials from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Antwan Bradley was quickly identified as a suspect in the incident. Investigators gathered statements from witnesses, reviewed surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, and followed leads that eventually led to Bradley’s apprehension.
He was taken into custody without incident and is now facing charges related to the shooting. The full list of charges has not been released, but authorities have confirmed that the investigation is active and that more information will be made available as the case progresses.
Bradley’s arrest has stirred a wave of reactions in Florence, where many are questioning what led to such a violent outburst and how it might have been prevented. For some, the incident is emblematic of a deeper concern regarding rising community violence and the need for intervention, particularly among young adults who find themselves at the center of such confrontations.
Community in Shock
The Florence neighborhood where the shooting occurred is known for its tight-knit atmosphere and relative quiet. Residents described the moment of the shooting as terrifying and surreal. Some heard the shots from inside their homes; others witnessed the scene unfold from their porches or driveways.
“I was just sitting down to dinner when I heard what sounded like fireworks, but then I realized it was gunshots,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be identified. “I ran outside and saw people screaming and running. It was horrifying.”
Perhaps most distressing was the presence of a juvenile during the shooting. Though physically unharmed, the child was deeply affected by the violence. Law enforcement officers and first responders on the scene took immediate steps to ensure the young person’s safety and well-being, and local support agencies have since offered trauma counseling services to assist in recovery.
Experts have long emphasized that children who witness violent incidents are at higher risk for emotional and behavioral challenges, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, and long-term trauma. In response, community leaders are urging for continued support and mental health resources for youth exposed to such events.
A Pattern of Growing Concern
The shooting is part of a growing trend that has alarmed many residents in Florence County and beyond. Local crime statistics indicate a gradual uptick in firearm-related incidents over the past year, sparking renewed conversations about public safety, community engagement, and prevention efforts.
Many local organizations, including faith-based groups and youth outreach programs, are speaking out in the wake of the incident. Their message is clear: more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence, from economic inequality to lack of educational and recreational opportunities.
“This isn’t just about one person pulling a trigger,” said a local youth advocate. “It’s about a culture where too many people feel like they have no other way to deal with conflict or frustration. We need to rebuild from the ground up.”
Calls for enhanced community policing, increased access to mentorship programs, and expanded mental health services are gaining traction. The arrest of Antwan Bradley, while important, is viewed by many as just one step in addressing a broader societal issue.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has released limited information about the shooting, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, they have expressed appreciation for the community’s assistance in swiftly identifying and apprehending the suspect. Tips from residents were reportedly crucial in building the case and locating Bradley.
“We understand that acts of violence shake the foundation of community trust,” said one sheriff’s department spokesperson. “We are committed to transparency, thorough investigation, and ensuring justice is served.”
Law enforcement has also committed to increased patrols in the area in the days following the incident. Officers have made an effort to engage with residents, answer questions, and provide reassurance that community safety remains a top priority.
In addition, victim support services have been activated to help those directly affected by the shooting. Medical professionals and social workers are working with the injured parties and their families, and efforts are being made to ensure the juvenile witness receives the necessary care and protection.
Neighbors Come Together
In the wake of the violence, the neighborhood has begun to show signs of resilience. Residents have gathered for prayer circles, neighborhood watch meetings, and informal discussions on how to prevent future tragedies. The sentiment is clear: this act of violence does not define who they are.
One local resident organized a community meeting the following evening, inviting law enforcement, mental health experts, and community organizers to speak. The meeting served as both a healing space and a call to action.
“We can’t ignore what’s happening around us,” said one attendee. “We need to be proactive, not just reactive. That means checking in on our youth, fostering open dialogue, and addressing problems before they explode into violence.”
Parents in the neighborhood have echoed these concerns, many of them expressing fear for their children’s safety. Several have called for more visible security in public spaces and better communication between local authorities and community members.
The Road Ahead
As Antwan Bradley remains in custody and awaits further legal proceedings, the investigation continues to develop. Authorities are working to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the shooting and what may have motivated the violence. It remains unclear whether others were involved or if the shooting was connected to any ongoing disputes.
Regardless of the outcome, the scars left behind are already etched into the memory of those who witnessed the event. For the two individuals recovering from their injuries, the healing journey is only just beginning. For the juvenile who witnessed the incident, the emotional toll may linger long after the scene is cleared and the headlines fade.
Community leaders are hopeful that this incident will serve as a turning point—an opportunity to address long-standing issues and foster a safer, more connected Florence.
Final Thoughts
This shooting has left more than just two people injured; it has sent a ripple through a community now questioning how such violence reached their doorstep. The arrest of Antwan Bradley provides some measure of accountability, but for many, the deeper hope lies in ensuring that no more families have to endure similar pain.
In neighborhoods across Florence County, conversations are shifting from fear to action. People are asking what can be done to protect the future — not just in terms of policing, but in building stronger, more supportive communities where young people can find hope, purpose, and peaceful ways to resolve conflict.
The road forward will not be easy. But if the community response is any indication, Florence is ready to confront the challenge—not with more fear, but with determination, empathy, and unity.
