An active shooter incident at Fort Stewart in Georgia on August 6, 2025, resulted in five U.S. Army soldiers being shot and a suspect—identified as Sgt. Quornelius Radford—taken into custody. The incident triggered an immediate lockdown of the sprawling army post, which houses thousands of soldiers and civilians. As reports emerged, online searches for fort stewart active shooting, where is Fort Stewart, and fort stewart ga surged.
Timeline of the Fort Stewart Shooting Incident
At approximately 10:56 a.m. local time, gunfire was reported inside the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area on base. By 11:04 a.m., the base entered lockdown, including Hunter Army Airfield, and nearby schools in Liberty County followed suit. At 11:35 a.m., soldiers swiftly subdued the shooter, and he was placed under arrest.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Radford, a logistics sergeant assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, was subdued by fellow troops before civilian law enforcement arrived. The entire episode unfolded within roughly 40 minutes. 
Casualties and Medical Response
Five soldiers were shot, all of whom were treated on scene and transported to Winn Army Community Hospital, with several transferred to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Three required surgery, but all victims are reported to be in stable condition and expected to recover.
The Suspect: Quornelius Radford
The shooter is identified as Quornelius Radford, an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. He enlisted in 2018 and has no prior combat deployments. Radford reportedly carried a personal handgun rather than a military-issued weapon.
Army officials also disclosed he had a recent DUI arrest in May, which went unnoticed by his chain of command until after the shooting. Investigators are still working to ascertain the motive behind the attack, and authorities emphasize there is no known connection to terrorism or extremism at this time.
Response from Fort Stewart and Local Authorities
Commanding officers, including Brigadier General John Lubas, quickly coordinated with FBI Savannah and the Army Criminal Investigation Division to secure the base and initiate an investigation. The base lifted lockdowns shortly after 2 p.m., declaring no ongoing threat to the community. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp offered condolences on X, while the White House confirmed former President Donald Trump was briefed on the situation.
Fort Stewart: Base Overview and Context
Fort Stewart, located near Hinesville, Georgia, is the largest U.S. Army installation east of the Mississippi River. Housing approximately 15,000 active-duty personnel and nearly 9,000 on-post residents, it also supports Hunter Army Airfield and multiple schools, family services, and businesses. The base spans nearly 280,000 acres and is home to the 3rd Infantry Division.
Historical Context and Significance
This incident marks another tragic chapter in U.S. military base shootings. Notable predecessors include deadly attacks at Fort Hood in 2009 and 2014, the Washington Navy Yard in 2013, and Naval Air Station Pensacola in 2019—all highlighting ongoing challenges in base security and mental health management.
Fort Stewart specifically has endured previous violence; in December 2022, an on-base shooting killed a soldier in the same brigade. The recurrence raises difficult questions about how personal firearms enter high-security military environments.
What It Means for Military and Public Safety
The incident raises critical concerns over base security protocols, personnel vetting, and internal firearm controls. Radford reportedly carried his personal handgun onto the base—a breach that has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of existing policies.
Furthermore, local communities—including Liberty County schools—remain alert to the effects of incidents on nearby civilian populations, reinforcing the need for rapid communication and mental health support within military families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the shooting at Fort Stewart?
The motive remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed no terrorist link.
Are the wounded expected to recover?
All five soldiers are stable; most flown to medical centers and three required surgery.
Who subdued the shooter?
Fellow soldiers tackled Sgt. Radford, enabling law enforcement to make an arrest.
Was the weapon issued by the military?
No. The suspect used a personal handgun rather than a military-issued firearm.
How long did the lockdown last?
Lockdown lasted from approximately 11 a.m. until all-clear was given just before 2 p.m.
This active shooter situation at Fort Stewart highlights vulnerabilities even within highly secure military facilities. As investigations unfold, officials aim to enhance internal security measures and prevent future incidents. Public trust and soldier safety remain paramount as Radford awaits further legal proceedings.
