A 28-year-old U.S. Army sergeant opened fire on fellow soldiers at Fort Stewart, a major military base in southeast Georgia, on the morning of August 6, leaving five wounded before being subdued.
The suspect, identified as Sgt. Quornelius Radford, used a personal handgun to carry out the attack inside his unit’s workplace—the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team—around 11 a.m., according to Army officials.
The base was placed under temporary lockdown, which was lifted just before 2 p.m.
Heroic Response Prevented Mass Casualties
Brig. Gen. John Lubas credited fellow soldiers with tackling the shooter and preventing further bloodshed.
“These soldiers, without a doubt, prevented further casualties,” Lubas said.
Three victims were treated on base, and two were transported to a trauma center in Savannah. All five are expected to recover.
No Clear Motive, Suspect Previously Arrested
Radford had no combat history and had been stationed at Fort Stewart since 2022. His motive remains unknown.
He managed to bring a handgun onto the base, raising questions about security.
Military officials also revealed Radford was arrested for DUI in May, but his commanding officers were not aware of the incident until after the shooting.
Court records show Radford was arrested by Georgia State Patrol while driving a 2021 Nissan Altima with Florida plates. He was also cited for running a red light.
Trump Reacts: “Swift Justice Must Be Served”
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were briefed on the incident and issued statements of support for the victims and condemnation of the shooter.
“The entire nation is praying for the victims and their families,” Trump said. “Swift justice must be brought to the perpetrator.”
Hegseth called the shooting “cowardly” and promised accountability.
“Five brave Soldiers were wounded. This cannot stand,” he posted.
Families Scrambled During Lockdown
One woman on base, Paige Siple, hid in an upstairs closet with her dog after hearing about the active shooter. Her sister, Sadie, rushed out of a movie theater after receiving the text.
What Is Fort Stewart?
Fort Stewart is home to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and spans 438 square miles, making it larger than New York City.
Roughly 10,000 people live on the base, including troops, families, and civilians.
It has served U.S. national defense since 1940, beginning as an anti-aircraft training facility.
