A somber incident unfolded at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on a recent Wednesday morning, leaving the military community and the nation grappling with questions and concerns. An active-duty Army sergeant opened fire, injuring five fellow soldiers, before being swiftly subdued by his courageous comrades. This comprehensive report delves into the known details of the event, the suspect, the victims, and the broader implications for one of the largest U.S. Army bases.
At approximately 10:56 a.m. local time, law enforcement sprang into action, responding to urgent reports of a possible shooting within the area of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. The base, a sprawling installation larger than New York City, was immediately placed on lockdown shortly after 11:04 a.m. The swift response from both law enforcement and the soldiers on the ground proved pivotal in containing the situation.
Just 39 minutes after shots were first fired, at 11:35 a.m., the suspected gunman was apprehended. This rapid resolution was largely due to the extraordinary bravery of other soldiers nearby. Without hesitation, they witnessed the shooting unfold and immediately tackled the armed individual, subduing him until authorities could take him into custody. Their immediate and selfless actions undoubtedly prevented further casualties, a testament to their training and inherent courage.
Brigadier General John Lubas, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, quickly identified the suspected shooter as 28-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Radford. Sgt. Radford, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, is an active-duty soldier assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart. He joined the Army in 2018 as an automated logistical specialist, a role involving the management of maintenance or warehouse operations by tracking work in Army computer systems.
Crucially, officials have stated that Sgt. Radford has no known combat history, nor were they aware of any prior behavioral issues involving him in his military record before this incident. This lack of a known disciplinary background makes the shooting all the more perplexing to investigators and the community.
All five soldiers wounded in the attack are currently in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery, a remarkably positive outcome given the severity of the event. Three of the injured soldiers required surgery, while two were transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, for additional specialized care. The remaining three received initial treatment and care at Winn Army Community Hospital on the base.
Among the victims, two women remain hospitalized, with one at Winn Army Community Hospital and the other in Savannah. The condition of the soldier in Savannah is described as more serious, though Brigadier General Lubas expressed strong optimism for her complete recovery, noting, “She’s got a little bit longer road to recovery… They’re very hopeful she’s going to make a complete recovery.” This hopeful prognosis offers a vital point of encouragement amid the trauma.
The weapon used in the attack was a personal 9mm handgun, which Sgt. Radford reportedly purchased in Florida in May. Military officials, including Brigadier General Lubas, confirmed that it was “not a military weapon.” A key part of the ongoing investigation will be to determine precisely how Sgt. Radford was able to bring a personal weapon onto the heavily secured military installation. Brigadier General Lubas, while acknowledging the ongoing investigation, expressed confidence in the installation’s security, stating, “We’re going to have to determine how he was able to get a handgun to his place of duty.”
While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, investigators are diligently working to uncover the full story. A law enforcement official briefed on the case indicated that the suspected shooter allegedly had a disagreement with one of the victims the day before the incident. On the morning of the shooting, Sgt. Radford reportedly followed this victim to a maintenance area, where he shot the person in the chest, before proceeding to shoot four others. The gun and numerous shell casings were recovered at the scene.
Adding another layer to the suspect’s background, it was revealed that Sgt. Radford had been arrested for driving under the influence in May in Liberty County, where Fort Stewart is located. This arrest, which also included a charge for running a red light while driving a 2021 Nissan Altima with Florida plates, was “unknown to his chain of command until the (shooting) occurred,” according to Brigadier General Lubas. This raises questions about information flow within military systems.
Sgt. Quornelius Radford is currently in pretrial confinement, held by the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). He has been interviewed by Army investigators and is awaiting a formal charging decision by the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC), which functions as the Army’s equivalent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This process is similar to a civilian criminal trial, but operates under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
As explained by CNN analyst Ret. Gen. Ty Seidule, the military has its own judges, prosecuting counsels, investigative agencies, and police, distinct from the civilian justice system. The OSTC is meticulously reviewing the evidence, and once charges are drawn up, Sgt. Radford is expected to face a court-martial. For serious crimes, the highest level of court-martial is a general court-martial. If convicted, he could face imprisonment in a military prison. This specialized legal pathway underscores the unique aspects of military service and accountability.
The shooting prompted immediate and strong reactions from across the political spectrum, highlighting the gravity of the situation. President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, expressed profound concern and prayers for those impacted. He vowed that the perpetrator of this “atrocity” would be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” emphasizing that the nation was “praying for the victims and their families.” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed these sentiments on X, labeling it a “cowardly shooting” and praising the “law enforcement heroes who charged into danger,” promising swift justice.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll further recognized the profound heroism and courage displayed by the soldiers who intervened and provided aid. During a ceremony on August 7, just a day after the shooting, six soldiers received awards for their actions. Driscoll recounted how unarmed soldiers rushed forward to tackle and subdue the suspect, preventing additional harm. Other soldiers quickly responded to the scene, providing critical first aid to stop bleeding, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their fellow service members.
The Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield is not only one of the largest U.S. Army bases east of the Mississippi River but also a cornerstone of its surrounding community, Hinesville. With approximately 21,200 full-time soldiers, 4,350 civilian and contractor staff, and over 19,000 military retirees, the installation is deeply intertwined with civilian life. As Hinesville resident Noah Bell, who was born at Fort Stewart, put it, “You go into a grocery store, you’re going to see more people that are dressed in their uniform than you would in civilian clothing.” The immediate reaction within the community was a frantic scramble for news, as loved ones sought to confirm the safety of family members on base.
Personal accounts underscore the terror and uncertainty that gripped the community. Sadie Mohrbacher received a chilling text from her sister, Paige Siple, who lives on base, stating: “Active shooter on base. We are on lockdown.” Siple, home alone, took refuge in an upstairs closet with her dog, locking doors and closing curtains. Her husband, an active-duty soldier working on base, was safe and able to return home once the lockdown was partially lifted. Such stories highlight the immediate, personal impact of such events on military families.
