A U.S. Army sergeant is in custody following a mass shooting that left five soldiers injured at Fort Stewart, shaking the military community and raising questions about base security and the suspect’s motive.
The incident unfolded just before 11 a.m. on Aug. 6, when 28-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Radford, an automated logistics noncommissioned officer stationed at the Georgia base, allegedly used a personal handgun to open fire on fellow members of his team. The attack occurred in an area associated with the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, which recently returned from deployment in Europe.
Radford was subdued and tackled by fellow soldiers shortly after the shooting began. He was apprehended at approximately 11:35 a.m., according to Army Brig. Gen. John Lubas.
“These soldiers, without a doubt, prevented further casualties,” Lubas said during an Aug. 7 press briefing. He noted that all five injured service members are expected to recover.
Three of the wounded were treated and released the same day. Two others — both women — remain hospitalized. One is recovering at the base’s Winn Army Community Hospital, while the other, who is in more serious condition, is being treated at a hospital in Savannah.
“She’s got a little bit longer road to recovery,” Lubas said. “They’re very hopeful she’s going to make a complete recovery.”
Radford’s Background and Investigation
Radford, who has been stationed at Fort Stewart since 2022, had no combat deployments. Army officials revealed he had a prior arrest for driving under the influence in May in Liberty County, Ga. However, Lubas said that arrest was unknown to Radford’s command until after the shooting.
According to court records, Radford was driving a 2021 Nissan Altima with Florida plates and was also cited for running a red light at the time of his DUI arrest.
The suspect’s father provided a statement to the New York Times saying that he hadn’t noticed any change in his son’s behavior and didn’t see anything that would lead to a violent attack.
“It’s hard for me to process,” Eddie Radford said, but added that his son had been seeking a transfer and complained to his family of racism at Fort Stewart.
As of Aug. 7, officials have not disclosed a motive for the shooting.
Military and Political Response
The shooting drew immediate reactions from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump expressed condolences from the White House.
“The entire nation is praying for the victims and their families,” Trump told reporters, calling Radford “horrible.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also issued a strong statement: “Today, a cowardly shooting at Fort Stewart left five brave Soldiers wounded. Swift justice will be brought to the perpetrator and anyone else found to be involved.”
Acts of Heroism Recognized
On Aug. 7, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll visited Fort Stewart and presented medals to six soldiers who intervened in the shooting and rendered lifesaving aid.
“You are doing what you signed up to do, which is train to be ready to deploy to protect your fellow soldiers on behalf of your nation,” Driscoll said during the ceremony.
Among those honored were two soldiers who physically restrained the gunman — one of whom was unarmed and rushed toward the shooter.
Base Lockdown and Aftermath
Following the shooting, Fort Stewart was placed on lockdown. The all-clear was issued before 2 p.m. the same day.
The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny over how personal firearms can be brought onto military installations and whether existing protocols are sufficient to detect warning signs among service members.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation into the shooting. No additional charges or suspects have been announced.
