5 Soldiers Shot at Fort Stewart: Shooter in Custody, FBI Investigates
Five U.S. soldiers were shot on Wednesday morning at Fort Stewart, a major military installation in Liberty County, Georgia. According to officials from Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, the incident occurred in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area of the base. Emergency responders treated the wounded at the scene before transporting them to Winn Army Hospital.
Authorities have confirmed that the shooter was apprehended by law enforcement and that there is no ongoing threat to the public or personnel at the base. The identity of the shooter has not yet been released, and officials have not commented on a possible motive.
Timeline of the Incident
The base provided a detailed timeline of the response:
10:56 a.m. ET: Law enforcement was alerted to a possible shooting at Fort Stewart.
11:04 a.m. ET: A full lockdown of the installation was ordered.
11:09 a.m. ET: Emergency medical personnel responded to treat the five wounded soldiers.
11:35 a.m. ET: The shooter was taken into custody.
12:10 p.m. ET: The lockdown was lifted for the main cantonment area.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division is working closely with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as the investigation into the shooting continues. FBI agents based in Savannah were dispatched to Fort Stewart shortly after the attack, according to public affairs officers.
Local Schools Affected as Precaution
Three Liberty County schools—Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Snelson Golden Middle School—were placed on soft lockdowns shortly after the shooting began. Today marked the first day of the new school year for the district.
District officials said the lockdowns were implemented out of an abundance of caution and that there was no direct threat to the schools. The lockdowns were lifted after the shooter was apprehended and the base declared safe.
Federal and State Officials Respond
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “The White House is monitoring the situation,” she said in a post on X.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp offered condolences to the victims and their families in a statement. “As we remain in close contact with law enforcement on the ground, Marty, the girls, and I are saddened by today’s tragedy at Ft. Stewart,” Kemp wrote on X. “We are keeping the victims, their families, and all those who answer the call to serve in our hearts and prayers.”
Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia also addressed the tragedy. “I’m heartbroken to see the news of an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart today,” he posted on X. “I’m monitoring the situation closely and join all of Georgia as we pray for the safety of our servicemembers, staff, and their families.”
Fort Stewart’s Role in National Defense
Fort Stewart is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River and is home to the 3rd Infantry Division. The base trains and deploys both active-duty and reserve Army units and supports a population of more than 10,000 people, including soldiers, civilians, and family members.
Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah, the base plays a crucial role in national defense and rapid deployment capabilities. Incidents of violence on such installations are rare but draw intense national scrutiny when they occur.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Wednesday evening, there is no further information about the condition of the injured soldiers or the identity and motive of the shooter. Law enforcement has indicated that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division and FBI have not yet disclosed whether the shooter was affiliated with the military. Fort Stewart officials emphasized that they are working to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on the installation and surrounding community.