Quick Read
- Five soldiers were injured in a shooting incident at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
- The suspect, a 28-year-old Army sergeant, was quickly apprehended.
- Nearby schools and parts of the base were locked down but have since reopened.
- The injured soldiers were treated on-site and at nearby hospitals; no fatalities were reported.
- Federal and state authorities are investigating the incident.
Fort Stewart, Georgia, was the scene of a harrowing active shooter incident on August 6, 2025, leaving five soldiers injured. The incident occurred in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, also known as the Spartan Brigade, prompting a swift lockdown of the base and surrounding facilities. Law enforcement quickly apprehended the suspect, identified as a 28-year-old Army sergeant, bringing the immediate threat to an end.
The Timeline of Events
The ordeal began at approximately 11:04 a.m., when shots were fired in the Spartan Brigade area of Fort Stewart. Within minutes, the base commander ordered a complete lockdown of the installation, including Wright Army Airfield and Evans Army Airfield. Nearby Liberty County schools, including Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Snelson-Golden Middle School, were also placed under a soft lockdown out of caution. According to WSAV, three elementary schools on the base were similarly secured.
By 11:35 a.m., law enforcement apprehended the suspect, ending the immediate threat. The lockdown of the main cantonment area was lifted by 12:10 p.m., and the airfields were declared “all clear” by 2:00 p.m. However, the Spartan Brigade area remained closed for ongoing investigations.
Casualties and Medical Response
The shooting left five soldiers injured, with their conditions ranging from moderate to critical. According to CNN, three of the victims were transported to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, which is equipped with a Level 1 trauma center. The remaining two soldiers received treatment at Winn Army Community Hospital on the base. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
Bryna Gordon, a spokesperson for Memorial Health, confirmed that the hospital received two of the injured soldiers. Georgia State Patrol escorted ambulances to the medical center, ensuring timely care. State Representative Al Williams expressed concern but commended the swift actions of first responders.
The Suspect and Ongoing Investigation
The suspect, whose identity has been confirmed as Quornelius Radford, is an Army sergeant with prior ties to Florida. Law enforcement sources revealed that Radford had been arrested in May for driving under the influence, raising questions about his mental state and suitability for service. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Army Criminal Investigation Division, are actively collaborating on the investigation. According to WJCL, the FBI has offered full support to Army investigators.
Authorities have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp both issued statements expressing their condolences and pledging to monitor the situation closely. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been briefed on the incident.
Fort Stewart’s Role and Historical Context
Fort Stewart, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia, is home to the 3rd Infantry Division. The base is a critical hub for training and deploying active and reserve Army units. The Spartan Brigade, where the shooting occurred, has a storied history dating back to its formation in 1917. The brigade has been involved in key military operations, including the Liberation of France during World War II and more recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Despite its vital role in national defense, this is not the first time Fort Stewart has experienced violence. In 2022, an Army sergeant was fatally shot on the base, highlighting ongoing concerns about security and mental health within military ranks. According to NBC News, the military is taking steps to address these issues, although challenges remain.
Community and National Reactions
The shooting has elicited strong reactions from local and national leaders. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia expressed his heartbreak and pledged to support the affected families. Former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams also extended her prayers and gratitude to first responders for their swift action.
The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence in the United States, particularly within military settings. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 262 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, though this number represents a decline compared to recent years. Experts attribute the overall decrease in violent crime to improved law enforcement strategies and community outreach programs.
In a statement, President Donald Trump assured the public that the White House is closely monitoring the situation. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our servicemembers,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
*As investigations continue, the Fort Stewart community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by military personnel and the importance of addressing underlying issues that may lead to such violence.*