Fort Stewart Shooting: 5 Soldiers Injured, Suspect in Custody
Fort Stewart, GA – August 6, 2025 – An active shooter incident at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia injured five soldiers, prompting a rapid lockdown of the base and nearby schools. The suspect, 28-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Radford, was apprehended within 39 minutes after shooting his coworkers in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area. All victims are stable, with three requiring surgery, and the investigation into the motive continues CNN. This article explores the Fort Stewart shooting, the response, its impact on the community, and implications for military base safety in 2025.
What Happened at Fort Stewart?
At 10:56 a.m. EDT on August 6, 2025, gunfire broke out at Fort Stewart, the Army’s largest post east of the Mississippi, located 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia. Sgt. Quornelius Radford, an automated logistics sergeant, allegedly used a personal handgun to shoot five soldiers in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2ABCT) complex, targeting coworkers in what authorities believe may be a workplace dispute. Soldiers nearby tackled Radford by 11:35 a.m., preventing further casualties. The base initiated a lockdown at 11:04 a.m., securing all facilities, including Wright and Evans Army Airfields and three on-base schools—Diamond, Kessler, and Murray. Nearby Liberty County schools also implemented soft lockdowns.
Emergency medical teams arrived by 11:09 a.m., treating the injured at Winn Army Community Hospital. Two soldiers were transferred to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for advanced care. The lockdown was partially lifted by 12:10 p.m. for the main cantonment area and fully cleared by 2 p.m., restoring normal operations BBC News.
Swift Response and Heroic Actions
The response to the Fort Stewart active shooter incident was swift and coordinated. Military police, supported by the Georgia State Patrol and Hinesville Police Department, secured the scene within minutes. Brig. Gen. John Lubas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, praised the soldiers who subdued Radford, stating, “Their quick actions saved lives.” The FBI and Army Criminal Investigation Division took over the investigation, focusing on how Radford brought a personal handgun onto the base, a violation of military regulations. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed support, saying, “Our hearts are with the Fort Stewart community as they heal from this tragedy.” President Donald Trump, briefed on the incident, called it an “atrocity” and vowed full prosecution of the suspect.
The lockdown halted all base activities, including helicopter operations at Hunter Army Airfield. Schools followed strict protocols, notifying parents and ensuring student safety. The rapid response underscored Fort Stewart’s preparedness, though questions remain about security measures and how the incident occurred in a highly controlled environment.
Who is Sgt. Quornelius Radford?
Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, from Jacksonville, Florida, enlisted in the Army in January 2018 and served as an automated logistics sergeant at Fort Stewart since 2022. He had no combat deployments or known disciplinary issues within the Army, but a May 2025 DUI arrest in Hinesville was unreported to his chain of command until after the shooting. Radford is now in pretrial confinement at Liberty County Jail, awaiting charges from the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. The investigation is examining the weapon’s origin and potential motives, with early indications pointing to a workplace grievance, though no official motive has been confirmed USA Today.
The incident’s location within Radford’s workplace suggests personal or professional tensions, but authorities have ruled out connections to training activities. The Army is reviewing Radford’s mental health history and access to the handgun, which was not military-issued, to understand security lapses.
Community Impact and Broader Implications
The Fort Stewart shooting deeply affected the military community and southeastern Georgia. Fort Stewart, home to nearly 9,000 residents and 15,000 active-duty soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, is a vital part of the region’s economy and identity. The incident, occurring on the first day of school, heightened anxiety among families, with soft lockdowns at Button Gwinnett, Joseph Martin, and Snelson Golden Middle Schools. Counseling services were offered to soldiers, families, and civilians, with local leaders like Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Buddy Carter calling for unity and support.
The shooting, one of over 260 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2025 per the Gun Violence Archive, reignited concerns about violence on military bases. Comparisons to the 2009 Fort Hood and 2019 Pensacola Naval Air Station shootings highlight ongoing vulnerabilities. On X, users expressed shock, with some questioning how a personal weapon bypassed base security. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced mental health resources and stricter weapons protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Security and Mental Health Concerns
The Fort Stewart active shooter incident raises critical questions about base security and mental health support. Fort Stewart’s strict weapons policies prohibit personal firearms, yet Radford brought a handgun onto the base undetected. The Army is investigating this breach, alongside Radford’s unreported DUI, which may indicate gaps in oversight. Past incidents, like the 2014 Fort Hood shooting, underscore the need for improved screening and mental health programs. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll pledged support, stating, “We will review every aspect of this incident to ensure our soldiers are safe.”
The incident highlights the broader challenge of addressing mental health in the military, where stigma often prevents soldiers from seeking help. Fort Stewart has committed to expanding counseling services and reviewing security measures to restore confidence in the community.
FAQ: Fort Stewart Shooting Incident
What happened during the Fort Stewart shooting?
On August 6, 2025, Sgt. Quornelius Radford shot five soldiers in the 2ABCT area. All victims are stable, and Radford was apprehended.
Who is the suspect?
Sgt. Quornelius Radford, a 28-year-old logistics sergeant, used a personal handgun and is in custody CNN.
Was anyone killed?
No fatalities were reported; all five soldiers are expected to recover USA Today.
What was the lockdown status?
The base was locked down at 11:04 a.m. and cleared by 2 p.m., with nearby schools also lifting soft lockdowns.
How can I stay updated?
Follow BBC News, CNN, and Fort Stewart’s official Facebook for updates.
Conclusion
The Fort Stewart shooting on August 6, 2025, was a stark reminder of the potential for violence in secure military environments. The heroic actions of soldiers who subdued Sgt. Quornelius Radford prevented further harm, but the incident exposed vulnerabilities in base security and mental health support. As Fort Stewart recovers, the Army’s investigation will shape future safety measures. The community, supported by leaders like Governor Kemp, remains resilient. Stay informed via trusted sources and share your thoughts on X with #FortStewart.
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