URGENT UPDATE: Five soldiers were shot at Fort Stewart, one of the largest U.S. Army bases, early Wednesday morning when Sergeant Quornelius Radford, 28, opened fire before being subdued by fellow troops. The incident triggered a brief lockdown at the base, which lasted about an hour, as officials rushed to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
The shooting occurred around 11:00 AM, and Radford was taken into custody by 11:35 AM. Initial reports indicate that he used a personal handgun, not a military-issued firearm, to carry out the attack. While the motive remains unclear, Brigadier General John Lubas confirmed that the injured soldiers are currently stable and expected to recover.
“We’re still not certain about the motivations,” Lubas stated during a press briefing. “These soldiers, without a doubt, prevented further casualties or wounded.” The soldiers who intervened played a crucial role in averting a potentially more devastating outcome.
The injured were initially treated at the base and then transferred to Winn Army Community Hospital, with some also taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, which serves as the top-level trauma center for coastal Georgia. A spokesperson for the hospital did not disclose the number of patients or their specific conditions.
The FBI is currently on-site to assist in the investigation, as officials delve into what led to this shocking incident among military personnel. The Army has confirmed that Radford is an automated logistical specialist assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team and has been in service since January 2018 with no prior deployments.
Fort Stewart, located approximately 64 kilometers southwest of Savannah, is home to thousands of soldiers and their families, serving as a pivotal installation for the 3rd Infantry Division. Following the lockdown, normal security operations resumed, allowing traffic to flow through the main gate.
This shooting adds to a troubling history of violence at U.S. military installations, raising serious questions about safety protocols and mental health support within the armed forces. Past incidents, including the tragic 2009 Fort Hood shooting, have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect service members.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge the community to remain vigilant but reassured that there is currently no ongoing threat. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE for the latest updates on this developing story.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves. The Army is committed to thorough investigations to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel stationed at Fort Stewart and beyond.
