Five U.S. Army soldiers were wounded Wednesday at Fort Stewart in Georgia after a fellow sergeant opened fire, prompting a temporary lockdown at the sprawling military installation. The suspected shooter, identified as Sgt. Quornelius Radford, is now in custody, and all five injured soldiers are reported to be in stable condition. The incident occurred in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area of the base.
Sgt. Radford, a 28-year-old automated logistics sergeant, allegedly used a personal handgun in the attack. The shooting took place shortly before 11 a.m. local time, and other soldiers quickly intervened to tackle and subdue the suspect, preventing further harm. The base was placed under lockdown until Radford was apprehended around 11:35 a.m., officials confirmed.
All five soldiers injured in the incident are expected to recover, with three having undergone surgery. Two of the wounded were transferred to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for additional care, while others were treated at an Army hospital on base. Their names have not been released, but their families have been notified.
While a motive for the shooting remains unclear, officials stated the victims were Radford's co-workers. Reports indicate Radford's father mentioned his son was seeking a transfer from the base and had complained of racism. Radford, who has no combat history, was recently arrested for driving under the influence in May, according to reports.
Brig. Gen. John Lubas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, praised the "brave soldiers" who "immediately intervened" to subdue the shooter. President Donald Trump, who was briefed on the incident, stated Radford "will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Senator Raphael Warnock also expressed their prayers for the victims and their families.
Fort Stewart, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah, is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River, serving approximately 15,000 active-duty soldiers and their families. The installation's security was quickly re-established following the incident, with all lockdown measures lifted. Officials emphasized the swift response by fellow service members in containing the situation.