On August 6, 2025, a shooting occurred at Fort Stewart, a U.S. Army base located in Georgia, resulting in the injury of five soldiers. The incident took place in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team sector at approximately 10:56 a.m. In response to the situation, the base was quickly placed under lockdown at 11:04 a.m., and authorities apprehended the suspect, identified as Army Sergeant Quornelius Radford, by 11:35 a.m. Following the arrest, the lockdown was lifted, and it was confirmed that there was no longer an active threat to the community.
The shooting suspect, 28-year-old Sergeant Radford, allegedly used a personal handgun to open fire on his fellow soldiers. Radford had been stationed at Fort Stewart since 2022 as a member of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. He had not participated in any combat deployments and was not known to have any prior disciplinary issues, making the incident particularly shocking. However, it was later revealed that Radford had been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in May 2025, a fact that had not been communicated to his command, raising questions about possible signs that might have been overlooked prior to the incident.
The five soldiers who were injured during the shooting received immediate medical attention on-site. Following their treatment, they were transported to Winn Army Community Hospital for further care. Three of the soldiers required surgery, though all five are reported to be in stable condition and are expected to recover fully. The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, along with assistance from the FBI’s Savannah field office, is actively leading the investigation into the incident to determine the full circumstances and motives behind the shooting.
Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia expressed his condolences following the event, calling it a “tragedy” and offering support to the victims and their families. He reiterated that the community’s thoughts were with the injured soldiers as they recover and that the state was committed to offering any necessary support in the aftermath. Additionally, this shooting has prompted a broader discussion about security protocols on military bases, particularly concerning the presence of personal firearms. The Army confirmed that the weapon used in the shooting was not a military-issued firearm but rather a personal handgun that Radford had brought onto the base.
As the investigation continues, the Army has pledged to review its policies and procedures related to the presence of personal firearms on military installations. The incident has raised concerns about whether current security measures are adequate in preventing such attacks, and whether additional safeguards should be implemented to prevent firearms from being brought onto bases by personnel. In light of the shooting, military leadership is under pressure to take a closer look at how incidents like this can be avoided in the future.
This tragic event has brought attention to the complexities of security and mental health issues within military communities. It highlights the importance of ongoing training and proactive management of personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of both soldiers and the broader community. As the Army investigates further, it is expected that greater emphasis will be placed on identifying potential risks and improving communication within the ranks to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
While the Fort Stewart shooting was a shocking and unfortunate event, the swift response from military and law enforcement agencies prevented it from escalating further. The focus now shifts to understanding the underlying causes of the incident and taking necessary steps to address any vulnerabilities within military protocols to safeguard against future tragedies. The five soldiers who were injured in the shooting will continue to receive care as they recover, and their families, as well as the wider military community, remain hopeful that such an incident will never be repeated.
