THE soldier accused of shooting five of his co-workers at a US Army base has been identified as Army Sergeant Quornelius Radford.
Radford, 28, is in custody after he allegedly opened fire at his workplace at Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia on Wednesday morning.
The shooting rampage started at the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area just before 11 am, prompting a brief lockdown at the base.
Disturbing audio revealed the high-pressure moment a dispatcher urgently directed first responders to the 2ABCT.
“There are possibly five patients. They have both of their EMS trucks on scene, the dispatcher said.
“The scene is clear. Everything is secure. We don’t know who has what.”
Police said at a press conference on Wednesday that the five wounded soldiers were all hospitalized and are now in stable condition.
The victims haven’t been identified.
‘WITHOUT HESITATION’
Radford, a soldier with previous ties to Florida, was taken into custody at 11:35 am.
Officials said soldiers at the base immediately jumped into action when the gunman opened fire.
“Soldiers in the area where the shooting occurred immediately and without hesitation tackled the soldier, subdued him,” stated Brig. Gen. John Lubas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield.
“That allowed law enforcement to then take him into custody.”
Fort Stewart shooting timeline
Five soldiers were shot at Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield in southeast Georgia on Wednesday. Below is a timeline of events:
10:56 am – Police are called for a possible shooting in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area.
11:04 am – Fort Stewart is locked down.
11:09 am – EMS is dispatched to treat wounded soldiers.
11:35 am – The shooter is taken into custody.
12:10 pm – Lockdown is lifted of the main cantonment area.
Radford was previously arrested back in May for driving under the influence, police records showed.
Police said they haven’t learned more about his motive, but that the gunman allegedly shot at his co-workers.
“It did involve his co-workers. We’re still not certain about the motivations,” Lubas said.
The lockdown is now lifted after soldiers were warned to stay inside and lock their doors.
Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Snelson Golden Middle School were all placed under a soft lockdown during the incident, as reported by the Liberty County School System on Facebook.
Fort Stewart, about 40 miles southwest of Savannah, is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River.
More than 15,000 soldiers and their families are housed there.
LAWMAKERS RESPOND
President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said on social media that he’s monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
“As we stay 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 thoughts and prayers, and we ask that Georgians everywhere do the same.”
Senator Raphael Warnock said he is also aware of the situation.
“I’m heartbroken to see the news of an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart today,” Warnock shared 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.”
