Five US soldiers injured in mass shooting at Fort Stewart, Georgia
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A shooting inside one of America’s largest military bases exposes deep cracks in the armed forces, as five soldiers are wounded and officials scramble for answers.
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This image from video provided by the US Army via DVIDS shows the entrance to Fort Stewart in Georgia on Nov. 18, 2021 (Staff Sgt. Daniel Guerrero/US Army via AP)
A shooting at one of the US Army's largest military installations on Wednesday left five soldiers injured, triggering an immediate lockdown and a rapid joint response by federal and military law enforcement agencies.
The incident occurred in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area of Fort Stewart, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah. According to an official statement posted on the base’s verified Facebook page, the injured soldiers received emergency medical care on site before being transported to Winn Army Hospital for further treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the shooter has been apprehended and that “there is no longer an active threat.”
The FBI’s Savannah office responded to the scene in coordination with the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, the ATF, and other federal agencies. FBI Atlanta Public Affairs Officer Tony Thomas confirmed the Bureau's involvement, while the ATF acknowledged its participation in a statement shared on X.
The shooting prompted swift reactions from state officials. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences on X, writing, “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. 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.”
Timeline and lockdown
The base was placed on lockdown at 11:04 am, shortly after initial reports of gunfire surfaced. Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, spokesperson for the Fort Stewart Police Department, confirmed an active shooter situation was underway but declined to offer additional details, citing the ongoing investigation.
At the time, the base confirmed on Facebook: “Casualties have been reported and the situation is ongoing.”
It is worth noting that Fort Stewart is home to the 3rd Infantry Division and serves as a major hub for training and deployment of both active duty and reserve units. With over 10,000 residents, including soldiers, military families, and Army civilian personnel, it is one of the largest military posts in the eastern United States.
As of this report, the identity of the shooter has not been made public, nor has the condition of the wounded soldiers been disclosed. Military and federal investigators continue to assess the motive, timeline, and circumstances of the attack.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the shooter was affiliated with the base or what may have led to the violent outburst. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Rise in mass shootings, gun violence
This comes as the United States continues to grapple with a disturbing rise in mass shootings and gun violence, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. From schools and shopping malls to places of worship and military bases, nearly every corner of public life has been touched by deadly gunfire.
According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, the country has already recorded hundreds of mass shootings this year alone, highlighting the persistent and complex nature of America’s gun crisis.
Experts point to a mix of factors, including widespread firearm access, inadequate mental health support, and political gridlock on gun control legislation, as contributors to the escalating violence. As communities mourn and lawmakers debate, many Americans are left questioning when meaningful action will replace thoughts and prayers.
Read next: One in 15 Americans has witnessed a mass shooting, study shows
