Gunman Opens Fire on Fellow Soldiers
In a shocking Fort Stewart shooting, six unarmed soldiers subdued a fellow serviceman after he opened fire on colleagues. The suspect, Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, allegedly used a personal handgun to shoot five soldiers on Wednesday morning. Radford began shooting at the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex where he worked. Officials confirmed he acted alone, though his motive remains unclear.
Heroes Step In Without Hesitation
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll praised the soldiers who acted swiftly. “One soldier ran straight at the shooter,” he noted. “Another jumped in to restrain him.” Despite being unarmed, their response stopped further bloodshed. Federal agents arrived shortly afterward to take Radford into custody.
Injuries and Medical Response
Three of the five injured soldiers required surgery. However, all are in stable condition and expected to recover fully. Brig. Gen. John Lubas confirmed the heroic intervention led directly to Radford’s arrest without further incident.
Background on the Suspect
Radford enlisted in 2018 as a supply sergeant and had not been deployed. Court records show he was already facing an Aug. 20 hearing for DUI and a traffic violation. That incident occurred in May in nearby Hinesville. Authorities arrested Radford at 11:35 a.m., less than 40 minutes after the shooting began. A brief lockdown followed but was lifted within an hour.
Ongoing Security Concerns
The Fort Stewart shooting once again raises tough questions about security on military bases. Despite strict protocols, such attacks continue to occur. President Donald Trump reacted to the news by calling Radford a “horrible person.” Meanwhile, the FBI and military investigators are working together to uncover further details.
A Pattern of Base Violence
U.S. military installations have witnessed similar tragedies before. The 2009 Fort Hood shooting left 13 dead. Other deadly incidents followed in 2013, 2014, and 2019. Although this latest event ended with fewer casualties, it underscores growing concern. New security strategies may be needed to prevent future violence within base walls.
Final Thoughts
The Fort Stewart shooting could have ended far worse. However, the courage and speed of unarmed soldiers prevented a larger tragedy. As investigations continue, the military community grapples with how best to protect its own.