Fort Stewart on Lockdown After Sergeant Opens Fire, Injuring Five

In a shocking incident at Fort Stewart on Wednesday, a U.S. Army sergeant unleashed gunfire, injuring five soldiers. The situation escalated until fellow troops intervened, tackling and subduing the assailant, an action that military leaders believe may have averted even greater harm.

Authorities have named the individual in question as Sg—Quorneliuss Radford, 28, who serves as a supply sergeant with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. Shortly before 11 a.m., an attack unfolded at the brigade’s complex located on the north side of the base. Officials reported that Radford employed a personal handgun, an act that is not allowed on the premises.

Brig. Gen. John Lubas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, emphasized that the swift response of soldiers who faced Radford “without a doubt prevented further casualties or wounded.” Following the outbreak of gunfire, the base swiftly initiated a lockdown that lasted approximately one hour before returning to standard operations.

Local hospitals received the wounded soldiers, with three of them needing surgical intervention. According to Lubas, all individuals are currently in stable condition and are anticipated to make a full recovery. Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the individuals involved or the extent of their injuries.

Limited information has emerged regarding the underlying motive. Since enlisting in January 2018, Army records indicate that Radford has yet to be deployed. According to public records, he was scheduled for a court hearing on August 20 in Hinesville, Georgia, related to charges of driving under the influence and running a red light in May. He has been granted release on bond in connection with that case.

In a swift response, law enforcement and emergency responders reached the scene of the shooting just minutes after the incident occurred. Authorities apprehended Radford at 11:35 a.m. Officials from the Army Criminal Investigation Division have announced that the scene is currently undergoing processing for both forensic and digital evidence.

The recent event has sparked fresh concerns regarding the safety protocols at U.S. military bases, which are designed to be among the most secure locations in the nation. In the aftermath of the shooting, the Army has yet to clarify if there will be a reassessment of security protocols.

Fort Stewart, situated 40 miles southwest of Savannah, stands as the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, famously referred to as the “Spartan Brigade,” serves as a vital hub for thousands of soldiers and their families, standing out as one of the Army’s most advanced land combat units.

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