Fort Stewart Shooting
An active shooter opened fire at Fort Stewart, Georgia, injuring five soldiers before being swiftly subdued by fellow troops. Authorities identified Sgt. Quornelius Radford as the shooter, and although the motive is unclear, the base has resumed operations while investigations continue.
Image: Politico
Chaos Unfolds at Fort Stewart
On August 6, 2025, gunfire broke out in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area of Fort Stewart, Georgia. The base initiated a lockdown at 11:04 a.m. EDT. Before that, law enforcement had already responded to reports of the shooting by 10:56 a.m. and apprehended the suspect, Sgt. Quornelius Radford, by 11:35 a.m.
Brig. Gen. John Lubas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, praised the soldiers who intervened. They quickly tackled Radford, preventing further harm. Medical personnel treated all five injured soldiers on-site and transported them to Winn Army Community Hospital. Later, two required further treatment at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Officials lifted the lockdown at 2 p.m. and confirmed that no additional threats remained.
Who Is Sgt. Quornelius Radford?
The accused shooter, Sgt. Quornelius Radford, is a 28-year-old automated logistics sergeant from Jacksonville, Florida. He joined the Army in 2018 and has served with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team since 2022. Radford used a personal handgun during the attack, raising concerns about weapon regulations on military bases.
Despite no combat deployments or disciplinary history, Radford had been arrested for DUI in May 2025 in nearby Hinesville. According to his father, Eddie Radford, the sergeant had previously reported racism at Fort Stewart and requested a transfer. He also sent a cryptic message about being in a “better place” just before the shooting. The Army Criminal Investigation Division, along with the FBI, continues to investigate his motive.
Impact on Fort Stewart Community
Fort Stewart, the largest Army post east of the Mississippi, supports over 25,000 personnel and spans 280,000 acres. The shooting disrupted life on the base and surrounding areas. Authorities placed six local schools—including three on-base elementary schools—on lockdown during the incident.
Residents, such as Paige Siple, described the fear and uncertainty of the lockdown. Siple, who hid in a closet with her dog, later expressed relief once authorities resolved the situation. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Senator Raphael Warnock issued statements of support, while former President Donald Trump labeled the event an “atrocity” and called for maximum prosecution.
Broader Context of Base Violence
This shooting is the second deadly incident at Fort Stewart in recent years. In 2022, Sgt. Nathan Hillman was killed in another attack. Nationwide, military installations have seen similar tragedies, such as the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. has experienced more than 260 mass shootings in 2025 alone. Fort Stewart’s incident meets the criteria, with four or more victims shot. Consequently, the tragedy has reignited debates about mental health resources and firearm access on military property.
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Moving Forward
Fort Stewart leadership has pledged full support to the victims and their families. They also commended the soldiers who took quick action to subdue Radford. Going forward, Army officials will assess the shooting’s causes, review base security protocols, and work to ensure that similar events do not happen again. Their goal remains to keep Fort Stewart a secure and resilient home for the 15,000 active-duty soldiers and their families.
