FORT STEWART, Ga. (AP) — A shooting incident took place on Wednesday at Fort Stewart, one of the largest Army bases in the United States, where Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, opened fire on five soldiers using a personal handgun. The shooting occurred in a location where Radford worked, and other soldiers quickly intervened by tackling him, which led to his arrest and a brief lockdown of the base.
According to Brigadier General John Lubas, the soldiers who subdued Radford played a crucial role in preventing further injuries or casualties during the incident. All injured soldiers have been reported as stable and are expected to recover, with three of them undergoing surgery following the attack. The Army is currently investigating the shooting, and many questions remain regarding the motive behind the attack and the extent of the injuries.
The incident at Fort Stewart, which is situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia, has raised significant concerns about safety and security within military installations, which are typically considered secure environments. Following the shooting, several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, arrived at the scene to assist with the investigation.
Army records indicate that Radford enlisted in January 2018 and worked as a supply sergeant. He has not been deployed and faced legal troubles prior to the shooting, having a hearing scheduled on August 20 for accusations related to driving under the influence. Despite the alarming nature of the shooting, the motive remains unknown at this time.
The lockdown at Fort Stewart lasted around one hour, during which vehicles were halted at the main security checkpoint. Once lifted, normal operations resumed. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, known as the “Spartan Brigade,” is based at Fort Stewart and has been recognized for its modernization efforts, adding over 200 vehicles to enhance its fighting capabilities.
This shooting incident adds to a troubling history of gun violence within military installations. Notably, in 2009, a U.S. Army psychiatrist perpetrated a mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, resulting in 13 deaths and more than 30 injuries. Other attacks, such as the 2013 Washington Navy Yard shooting and a 2014 Fort Hood shooting, further underscore the persistent issues of violence at military bases across the country.
In light of the shooting, President Donald Trump referred to the suspect as a “horrible person” during remarks made to reporters. The ongoing investigation will seek to uncover further details about Radford's actions and the context surrounding the shooting incident, amid heightened scrutiny regarding the safety protocols in place at military facilities.
The response from authorities, including the prompt action taken by fellow soldiers, has been commended as a decisive measure in avoiding further tragedy during the harrowing event. As investigations continue, many within the military community are grappling with the implications of such violence occurring among their ranks.
