An active shooter event at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on Wednesday morning resulted in at least five soldiers being wounded and prompted a swift lockdown of the U.S. Army installation. The incident unfolded at 11:04 a.m., with immediate action taken to secure the base and protect personnel.
The soldiers received initial treatment at the scene before being transported to Winn Army Community Hospital for further care. Specific details regarding the extent of their injuries have not been disclosed.
As the situation escalated, Wright and Evans Army Airfields, along with Fort Stewart Schools, were placed on lockdown. Base officials issued instructions for all personnel to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and adhere to established safety protocols while law enforcement worked to secure the installation. The New York Post reported on the immediate measures taken to ensure the safety of those on the base.
The three schools affected by the precautionary lockdown were Kessler Elementary, Murray Elementary, and Diamond Elementary. Superintendent Brian Perry assured the community that students and staff were not in immediate danger and that an "all clear" would be issued once it was safe to do so.
Law enforcement officials were quick to apprehend the shooter, though the suspect's identity has not been released. Fort Stewart officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community following the arrest.
Social media footage brought to light the scene at the base, particularly within the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team section, located about 40 miles southwest of Savannah. The videos exhibited the prompt and organized response of military personnel during the crisis.
President Donald Trump, briefed on the situation, is keeping a close watch on developments, as reported by the Daily Mail. Local representatives, including Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), have expressed their concern and are closely monitoring the events. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) shared his heartbreak over the incident on social media, urging prayers for the safety of servicemembers, staff, and their families.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) labeled the event as a tragedy and confirmed that his administration is in contact with law enforcement, extending his prayers to the victims and their families.
Fort Stewart is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, spanning 280,000 acres in southeast Georgia. It is home to the 3rd Infantry Division and serves as a training ground for various military units. The base is a community for over 10,000 soldiers, civilian employees, and their families.
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and authorities continue their investigation with heightened security measures in place to protect all individuals on base.
This incident marks the first active shooter situation at a U.S. military base since the attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida on December 6, 2019. The FBI treated the Pensacola event, which resulted in three deaths and eight injuries, as an act of terrorism and the assailant was stopped by law enforcement.
