Fort Stewart Suspect ID'ed, Used Personal Gun To Shoot 5, Army Says

Updated 4:11 p.m. Wednesday

FORT STEWART, GA — The Army sergeant who used his personal handgun to shoot five co-workers was subdued by fellow soldiers Wednesday. The victims in the mass shooting at Georgia's Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield are expected to recover, Army Brig. Gen. John Lubas said.

Lubas said officials are working to determine how Quornelius Radford, 28, was able to get his gun into the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex, where the shooting occurred around 11 a.m.

Radford is an automated logistics sergeant in a sustainment unit with the 2nd ABCT, Lubas said.

The timeline between the shooting and the arrest spanned about 30 minutes, Army officials said earlier on social media.

Radford was taken into custody after his fellow soldiers intervened and subdued him, Lubas said.

"These soldiers without a doubt prevented further casualties," Lubas said. " ... The soldiers in the area that witnessed the shooting immediately, without hesitation, tackled the soldier (and) subdued him (and) that allowed law enforcement to then take him into custody."

He added officials are awaiting a charging decision from the military's Office of Special Trial Counsel. A motive in the shooting is unknown.

The five soldiers who were injured were initially taken to Winn Army Community Hospital for treatment.

Two were then taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for further treatment, and three underwent surgery, Lubas said. They are all in stable condition, Lubas said.

"All of the families of the victims have been notified, and we're wrapping our arms around them and ensuring we provide them all the support that we can," he said.

Radford, who is from Jacksonville, Florida, was arrested in May at a traffic stop for driving under the influence, CNN reported. Lubas said Radford has never been deployed.

The shooting led to a lockdown at Fort Stewart and surrounding areas, but the all-clear has since been given at the base.

"There is no active threat to the community," officials said in a Facebook post published around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The lockdown previously included Wright and Evans Army Airfield and all gates at Fort Stewart, officials said.

"Lockdown your facility immediately, stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors. Keep telephone lines open and report accountability to your leadership," Army officials said in a Facebook post published late in the morning.

Nearby schools in Appling and Liberty counties were also placed on lockdown, according to a WTOC report.

Three schools just outside the base took steps similar to a lockdown as well, “out of an abundance of caution,” the Liberty County School System said.

President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a tweet, adding "the White House is monitoring the situation."

The FBI Atlanta's Savannah office offered its assistance to Army authorities, the federal agency tweeted.

The Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team was created in 2016 when the service added more than 200 vehicles to an infantry unit of roughly 4,200 soldiers. Also known as the “Spartan Brigade,” the Army has called the unit its “most modern land fighting force.”

Located about 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.

TikTok users shared videos of what they say are people sheltering in place or escaping buildings at Fort Stewart.

OTHER MASS SHOOTINGS THIS YEAR IN GA:

• 2 Killed, 29 Injured In Several Weekend Shootings In GA
• Mass Shooting At GA Bar Kills 3, Injures 6

Georgia Officials React To Mass Shooting

In a tweeted statement, Gov. Brian Kemp said he is in contact with local authorities.

"As we remain in close contact with law enforcement on the ground, Marty, the girls, and I are saddened by today’s tragedy at Ft. Stewart," Kemp said. "We are keeping the victims, their families, and all those who answer the call to serve in our hearts and prayers, and we ask that Georgians everywhere do the same."

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter said he is also aware of the incident.

"I am monitoring the situation at Fort Stewart," Carter said in a tweet. "Please join me in prayers for the casualties, their families, and the brave law enforcement officers working to protect our community."

Other Georgia leaders have also taken to X or Facebook to share their thoughts on the Fort Stewart shooting:

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: "Please join me in prayer for the safety of everyone at Fort Stewart."

U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock: "I’m heartbroken to see the news of an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart today. I’m monitoring the situation closely and join all of Georgia as we pray for the safety of our servicemembers, staff, and their families."

Attorney General Chris Carr: "As we continue to monitor the situation out of Fort Stewart, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for the victims and our entire military community."

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger: "Tricia and I are asking every Georgian to pray for the victims and their families and loved ones affected by today’s tragedy at Fort Stewart. We are grateful for law enforcement and the brave first responders, their quick response and commitment to public safety. Please lift them up in prayer as well."

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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