What Happened
On August 6, 2025, a shooting incident occurred at Fort Stewart, a military base in Georgia, where an Army sergeant allegedly opened fire on five fellow soldiers. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Radford, reportedly used his personal handgun during the attack. The shooting took place around 11:00 AM local time, and Radford was taken into custody approximately 40 minutes later after being subdued by other soldiers on the scene. The five soldiers who were shot were transported to medical facilities, with all reported to be in stable condition and expected to recover.
Brig. Gen. John Lubas, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, confirmed the details during a news conference, noting that the motivation behind the shooting remains unclear. The incident has raised questions about security protocols at military installations, particularly regarding how Radford was able to bring a personal firearm onto the base.
Key Details
- Suspect: Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, from Jacksonville, Florida, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart. He has no combat history and was previously arrested for driving under the influence in May 2025.
- Victims: Five soldiers were shot; two were taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, and three were treated at an Army hospital. All are in stable condition.
- Incident Timeline: The shooting began at approximately 11:00 AM, and Radford was apprehended by fellow soldiers and law enforcement by 11:35 AM.
- Legal Proceedings: Radford is currently in pretrial confinement and will be subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which differs from civilian legal processes. The Army Criminal Investigation Division is conducting the investigation.
Multiple Perspectives
The incident has elicited responses from various officials, including President Donald Trump, who condemned the shooting as an atrocity and emphasized the need for justice. He stated that the shooter would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also labeled the act a “cowardly shooting,” highlighting the bravery of soldiers who intervened.
On the other hand, military analysts have pointed out that the legal proceedings for Radford will differ significantly from those in civilian courts. Ret. Gen. Ty Seidule explained that Radford will face a military justice system, which includes court-martial proceedings for serious offenses. This distinction raises questions about accountability and the potential outcomes of the case.
Context & Background
Fort Stewart is a significant military installation that trains and deploys active and reserve Army units. The base is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia. Incidents of gun violence, particularly within military settings, have raised concerns about mental health, access to firearms, and the overall safety of service members. The shooting at Fort Stewart is part of a broader context of gun violence in the United States, which has seen over 260 shootings since Trump took office, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
The military has protocols in place regarding the possession of firearms on bases, and the investigation will focus on how Radford was able to bring a personal weapon onto the premises. The incident has prompted discussions about the adequacy of these security measures and the need for potential reforms.
What We Don’t Know Yet
Several aspects of the incident remain unclear as investigations continue. The motive behind Radford’s actions has not been established, and officials are still gathering information. There are also questions regarding Radford’s mental health and whether there were any prior behavioral issues that could have indicated a risk of violence. Additionally, the investigation will explore how Radford managed to bring his personal handgun onto the base, which is typically a secure environment.
As the situation develops, further details are expected to emerge, particularly regarding the legal proceedings Radford will face and the implications for military policy on firearm possession. The Army Criminal Investigation Division is actively working to provide clarity on these matters.
