Five American soldiers were injured in a shooting incident at Fort Stewart, a significant Army base located in Hinesville, Georgia, after an Army sergeant opened fire with his personal handgun. The incident, which marks another serious case of gun violence within military confines, occurred approximately 240 miles southeast of Atlanta.
The alleged shooter, identified as Sergeant Quornelius Radford, targeted his fellow troops during the attack before being tackled by quick-thinking soldiers who intervened. The swift actions of these soldiers likely prevented further injuries, according to Brigadier General John Lubas, the 3rd Infantry Division's commanding officer. All five injured soldiers are now under medical care and reported to be in stable condition, with three having undergone surgical procedures.
Radford was in pre-trial confinement as an investigation into the shooting continues. Officials revealed that he had previously faced criminal charges for driving under the influence, a detail not disclosed to military authorities prior to the attack. The non-military issued pistol used in the incident raises questions about security measures on the base, prompting an ongoing investigation into how it was brought onto the premises.
The situation unfolded rapidly, with law enforcement alerted at 10:56 EST, and the shooter apprehended within 39 minutes. Eyewitness accounts from individuals on the base paint a dramatic picture, revealing the chaos that ensued. A Burger King manager described how staff sought refuge in a secure area while monitoring social media for updates during the lockdown, emphasizing the team's safety over the restaurant's operations.
President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, assured that the Army will handle the prosecution of the alleged shooter decisively. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has called for prayers for the victims and their families during this trying time.
Fort Stewart, expanding over nearly 280,000 acres, is the largest US Army base east of the Mississippi River and provides a home to approximately 10,000 personnel. The community continues to grapple with the implications of this violent incident as investigations proceed.
