Fort Stewart Shooting Suspect: On August 6, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded at Fort Stewart, a major U.S. Army base in Georgia, when a sergeant allegedly opened fire, injuring five fellow soldiers. The suspect, identified as Sgt. Quornelius Radford, has been taken into custody, and the event has left the military community and the nation grappling for answers. As details emerge, this tragedy raises questions about base security, mental health, and the motivations behind such an act. Here’s a breakdown of what we know about the Fort Stewart shooting suspect and the incident.
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The Incident at Fort Stewart
The shooting occurred just before 11 a.m. in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, a key operational hub at Fort Stewart, located about 40 miles southwest of Savannah. According to Brig. Gen. John Lubas, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, the incident took place at Radford’s workplace, targeting his coworkers. The quick response of nearby soldiers, who tackled and subdued the suspect, likely prevented further casualties. The base was placed on lockdown for about an hour, with three nearby schools also temporarily locked down out of caution.
- Time of Incident: 10:56 a.m. ET, August 6, 2025
- Location: 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex
- Response: Suspect apprehended by 11:35 a.m.; lockdown lifted by 12:10 p.m.
Who Is Sgt. Quornelius Radford?
Sgt. Quornelius Samentrio Radford, 28, is an active-duty automated logistics sergeant from Jacksonville, Florida. He joined the Army in January 2018 and has been stationed at Fort Stewart since 2022. As a logistics specialist, Radford was responsible for managing supplies, equipment, and maintenance records. Notably, he has never been deployed to a combat zone, according to military officials. Radford was previously arrested in May 2025 for driving under the influence in Liberty County, an incident unknown to his chain of command until after the shooting.
- Age and Origin: 28, from Jacksonville, Florida
- Role: Automated logistics sergeant, 2nd Brigade Combat Team
- Prior Record: Arrested for DUI in May 2025, released on $1,818 bond
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
The attack left five soldiers wounded, all of whom are in stable condition and expected to recover. Three required surgery, and two were transferred to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, a Level 1 trauma center. The weapon used was a personal 9mm Glock handgun, not a military-issued firearm, raising concerns about how Radford managed to bring it onto the base, where personal firearms are strictly regulated. The Army Criminal Investigation Division, with FBI assistance, is leading the investigation to uncover the motive and circumstances.
- Victims: Five soldiers, all coworkers, stable and expected to recover
- Weapon: Personal 9mm Glock, purchased in Florida
- Investigation: Ongoing, led by Army Criminal Investigation Division
Possible Motivations and Background
While the motive remains unclear, some details have surfaced about Radford’s state of mind. His father, Eddie Radford, told The New York Times that his son had complained about racism at Fort Stewart and was seeking a transfer. He also mentioned that Quornelius dealt with depression tied to his mother’s death during childhood but had no history of serious mental health issues. A cryptic text sent to his aunt before the shooting hinted at distress, stating he would soon be in a “better place.” However, Brig. Gen. Lubas noted no prior behavioral or disciplinary issues were known to the Army.
- Family Insights: Complaints of racism, history of depression
- Text Message: Cryptic message to aunt before the incident
- Military Record: No known disciplinary issues or combat deployments
Broader Implications and Reactions
This shooting, one of over 260 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2025 according to the Gun Violence Archive, has reignited concerns about safety on military bases, which are meant to be highly secure. Past incidents, like the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and a 2022 shooting at Fort Stewart that killed Sgt. Nathan Hillman, underscore ongoing challenges. President Donald Trump called the act an “atrocity” and vowed prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, while Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed prayers for the victims and gratitude for the swift response of soldiers and law enforcement.
The Fort Stewart community, home to thousands of soldiers and families, is shaken but resilient. The incident has sparked discussions about mental health support, base security protocols, and the need to address underlying issues like workplace tensions or personal grievances. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims and ensuring justice.