FORT STEWART, Ga. (WSAV) — A confirmed active shooter situation is unfolding at Fort Stewart, with an unspecified number of victims being transported to a nearby hospital, as per Maj. Charles Egan.
Egan indicated that there are confirmed casualties, though it remains uncertain whether this includes injuries, fatalities, or a mix of both. It is also not yet known if the victims are military personnel.
Lt. Col Angel Tomko, a Public Information Officer for the Division, stated that the event took place in the 2nd Brigade area off of Highway 144, approximately 43 miles southwest of Savannah.
Following the incident, the brigade, situated outside the main area of Fort Stewart, was locked down shortly after 11 a.m. ET, as was the Wright Army Airfield, located about five miles away, according to the Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield (FSHAA) Commander.
The lockdown was lifted before 12:30 p.m. ET, and dozens of cars could be seen filing in through the gates.
FSHAA communicated via Facebook that several Fort Stewart DoDEA schools were also placed on lockdown, including Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Snelson Golden Middle School. The status of these lockdowns has not been updated.
The Appling County School System went into a Level 1 lockdown as well, noting they are “monitoring the situation closely and maintaining communication with local law enforcement.” Appling County is located roughly 50 miles from Fort Stewart.
Officials said there was no immediate threat to area schools.
Nexstar’s WSAV has a crew on the scene, working to gather additional information.
“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,” Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said in a statement. “We are keeping the victims, their families, and all those who answer the call to serve in our hearts and prayers, and we ask that Georgians everywhere do the same.”
Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.
The Associated Press contributed to this developing story.
