A shooting incident at Fort Stewart, the largest U.S. Army base east of the Mississippi River, left five soldiers injured on Wednesday morning, prompting a swift lockdown and response from military and local law enforcement.
The suspect was apprehended within 39 minutes, and authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The incident, which occurred in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, has raised concerns about safety on military installations, especially as it marks the second shooting in this unit’s workspace in recent years.
The shooting was reported at 10:56 a.m. EDT, according to a statement from Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield’s official Facebook page.
Law enforcement responded immediately, and the base was placed under lockdown at 11:04 a.m. By 11:35 a.m., the suspect was in custody, and the injured soldiers were treated on-site before being transported to Winn Army Community Hospital.
Some victims were later moved to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for further treatment, though the severity of their injuries remains undisclosed, according to ABC News.
The main cantonment area of the base lifted its lockdown by 12:10 p.m., but the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex remained secured as investigations continued.
Fort Stewart, located 40 miles southwest of Savannah, is home to the 3rd Infantry Division and supports over 10,000 soldiers, family members, and civilian employees.
The base, sprawling across nearly 280,000 acres, is a critical hub for training and deploying Army units.
The incident prompted nearby Liberty County schools, including Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Snelson-Golden Middle School, to implement a soft lockdown as a precaution, which was lifted later in the day.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his grief, stating on X, “We are keeping the victims, their families, and all those who answer the call to serve in our hearts and prayers, and we ask that Georgians everywhere do the same.”
U.S. Representative Buddy Carter and Senator Raphael Warnock also issued statements, calling for prayers and emphasizing their close monitoring of the situation.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noting that the administration is closely following developments, according to CNN.
The FBI’s Savannah office is coordinating with the Army Criminal Investigation Division to investigate the shooting, though no details about the suspect’s identity or motive have been released.
This incident follows a 2022 shooting in the same 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, where Sgt. Nathan Hillman was killed by a fellow soldier, raising questions about recurring violence in this unit.
Authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control, but the ongoing investigation will likely scrutinize security protocols and the circumstances leading to the attack.
