A shooting at Fort Stewart, Georgia, left five soldiers wounded and raised new concerns about military base security and the treatment of personnel after a suspect was subdued by fellow service members.
At a Glance
- Five soldiers were shot and wounded at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on August 6, 2025.
- The suspect, Sgt. Quornelius Radford, was tackled and detained by unarmed soldiers.
- Authorities say no fatalities occurred and the wounded are in stable condition.
- Reports suggest the suspect faced bullying related to a speech disorder.
- The Army and FBI are investigating the incident and base security.
Fort Stewart Shooting: Incident and Immediate Response
On the morning of August 6, 2025, gunfire broke out within the area occupied by the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart, one of the largest U.S. Army installations in the country. According to official accounts, Sgt. Quornelius Samentrio Radford used a personal 9 mm handgun to shoot five fellow soldiers at approximately 10:56 a.m. The attack triggered a base-wide lockdown, with military police and emergency services responding within minutes.
Watch now: Soldier describes taking gun from Fort Stewart shooter · YouTube
Radford was quickly subdued by six unarmed soldiers, who tackled him and held him until authorities arrived. He was taken into custody at 11:35 a.m., and the lockdown was lifted shortly after. The Army reported that all injured individuals were hospitalized, some requiring surgery, but none of the wounds were fatal. Brigadier General John Lubas commended the actions of the soldiers, emphasizing that their intervention likely prevented further harm.
Suspect Profile and Preliminary Findings
The suspect, Sgt. Radford, is a 28-year-old automated logistics specialist who enlisted in 2018 and had been assigned to Fort Stewart since 2022. He had no record of deployment to combat zones and, according to initial reports, no documented disciplinary issues prior to the event. However, it has emerged that Radford was arrested for driving under the influence and running a red light in May 2025, a matter not known to his direct command at the time of the shooting.
Investigators are examining text messages Radford sent to his aunt shortly before the incident, which indicated he was contemplating self-harm and referenced taking drastic action. Family members and colleagues have told authorities that Radford faced frequent bullying due to a significant speech stutter, endured the loss of a loved one in a car accident earlier in the year, and had sought a transfer due to difficulties at his post. Claims of racial discrimination are also being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Recognition and Ongoing Inquiry
Following the shooting, the Army awarded the Meritorious Service Medal to the six unarmed soldiers who detained Radford and aided the wounded. These individuals have been formally recognized for their bravery and quick decision-making under pressure. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and other senior officials highlighted the importance of their actions in limiting the scope of the incident.
The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel is preparing formal charges against Radford, who remains in pretrial confinement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and military authorities are jointly investigating how Radford was able to bring a personal firearm onto the base, a facility with strict security protocols. The incident has renewed scrutiny of mental health resources, peer conduct, and risk identification procedures within the U.S. military.
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