Fort Stewart Shooting Sparks Renewed Safety Concerns

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Fort Stewart, Georgia, A shooting at one of the U.S. Army’s most prominent installations has reignited concerns about safety for service members on base. On Wednesday, five soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team were injured when authorities say a fellow soldier opened fire with a personal weapon.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Samentrio Radford was quickly subdued by unarmed soldiers who tackled him, preventing further harm. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll praised their actions, awarding six soldiers the Meritorious Service Medal for their bravery.

“Under duress and fire, they ran into battle to the sound of the gunfire, took down the assailant, and then took care of their comrades,” Driscoll said. “Anything we discover during the investigation that can make this base and other bases safer, we will act on immediately.”

Authorities say the shooting stemmed from a disagreement between Radford and one of the victims the day before. On Wednesday, Radford allegedly followed the soldier to a maintenance area and shot him before targeting four others. The base was locked down within minutes, and emergency responders arrived promptly to treat the wounded.

For some, the incident brought back painful memories. In 2022, Sgt. Nathan Hillman, also of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, was killed by another soldier at Fort Stewart. His widow, Nichole Hillman, described the latest shooting as “terrifying and completely heartbreaking,” adding, “Our soldiers shouldn’t have to fear going to work.”

Military bases across the United States conduct regular active shooter and insider threat training, a practice intensified after the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas that killed 13 people and wounded over 30. These drills teach soldiers to respond quickly, evacuate, secure areas, and, if necessary, stop an attacker.

Radford, who joined the Army in 2018, had no known behavioral incidents on his official record, though he was arrested for suspected DUI in May, a fact his chain of command reportedly did not know. His father told The New York Times that Radford had complained about racism at Fort Stewart and was seeking a transfer. The Army has not commented on those claims, stating the investigation is ongoing.

Bullying allegations have also surfaced. Two former coworkers told NBC that Radford was mocked for a stutter, sometimes so severely that he struggled to speak. Sgt. Cameron Barrett, who befriended Radford during training, described the harassment as “very bad.”

Military policy generally prohibits personal firearms on base. Security protocols aim to prevent such weapons from being brought in, but authorized personnel are not routinely searched unless threat levels are elevated.

Experts say incidents like this highlight the challenges of preventing insider attacks. “There’s no way to prepare for every single possible insider threat,” said former military prosecutor Robert Capovilla. “By and large, our military personnel live and work in secure facilities.”

The Army’s investigation will examine security measures, access control, and behavioral warning signs. Officials have emphasized that any findings that could enhance safety will be implemented quickly.

As the Fort Stewart community recovers, the case underscores the complex balance between maintaining operational readiness and ensuring service members feel safe where they live and work.