Fort Stewart, GA — A routine morning at Fort Stewart, the U.S. Army’s largest installation east of the Mississippi, turned chaotic Wednesday when an active-duty sergeant opened fire on fellow soldiers, wounding five in what military officials are calling a workplace violence incident.
Shooter Subdued by Fellow Soldiers
The shooter, identified as Quornelius Radford, 28, is a logistics sergeant with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. According to Brig. Gen. John Lubas, Radford used his personal firearm to carry out the attack within his unit’s operational area.
“These soldiers, without a doubt, prevented further casualties,” said Lubas, commending the soldiers who “immediately and without hesitation” tackled Radford to the ground and disarmed him.
Law enforcement received reports of the shooting at 10:56 a.m., prompting an 11:04 a.m. lockdown of the installation. Radford was taken into custody by 11:35 a.m., and the fort was declared “all clear” just before 2 p.m., according to officials (source).
Wounded Soldiers Stable, Three Underwent Surgery
All five injured soldiers were treated at an Army hospital shortly after the incident. Three required surgery, and two were later transferred to a Savannah-area hospital for additional care. Officials have not released their names, but Brig. Gen. Lubas confirmed they were all in stable condition and expected to fully recover.
“The entire nation is praying for the victims and their families,” said former President Donald Trump, who was briefed on the incident. “This atrocity… will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Suspect’s Background and Motive Under Review
Radford, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, enlisted in the Army in January 2018. While he had not served in combat zones, an undisclosed DUI arrest had been recorded — one that his chain of command was unaware of, according to Lubas.
The weapon used was not military-issued, raising concerns about personal firearms on base. Investigators from the Army’s Criminal Investigative Division (CID) are continuing their probe into Radford’s motive.
“There’s no indication of terrorism or extremist beliefs at this time,” Lubas stated, adding that there is no ongoing threat to the local community.
Leaders Across Government Respond
In the wake of the shooting, officials across state and federal agencies expressed sympathy and pledged action:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote: “Today, a cowardly shooting at Fort Stewart left five brave Soldiers wounded. Praise God they are all in stable condition… Swift justice will be brought to the perpetrator.”
- Georgia Governor Brian Kemp posted: “We are keeping the victims, their families, and all those who answer the call to serve in our hearts and prayers.”
Fort Stewart: A Massive Military Community
Spanning nearly 280,000 acres, Fort Stewart is a major hub for Army operations and home to over 8,800 residents, according to the 2020 census. It sits just outside the town of Hinesville, approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah.
“The Army Criminal Investigation Division is on site to ensure that the perpetrator… will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Trump said from the Oval Office, as quoted in CBS News.
The suspect remains in pretrial confinement as investigators continue their work.
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