What We Know About the Fort Stewart Active Shooter Incident
The shooting occurred Wednesday morning in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area of Fort Stewart. Army officials confirmed that five soldiers were wounded during the incident. All victims received initial treatment on-site before being transported to Winn Army Community Hospital for further medical care.
According to official statements, the incident began around 11:00 a.m. ET when law enforcement was notified of a possible shooting. The suspected shooter was identified and taken into custody approximately 40 minutes later, at 11:35 a.m.
Emergency responders at Fort Stewart following reports of an active shooter
The shooting prompted an immediate lockdown of parts of the Army post, including the Wright and Evans Army Airfield. Fort Stewart Commander Colonel William “Gabe” Weaver issued the lockdown order, instructing personnel to “stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors” and to “keep telephone lines open and report accountability to your leadership.”
While most lockdowns have since been lifted, restrictions remained in place for the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area as investigators processed the scene.
Official Statements and Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting at the Army post. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement expressing that he and his family are “saddened by today’s tragedy at Ft. Stewart.”
Military officials providing updates on the Fort Stewart active shooter situation
“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,” Governor Kemp stated.
Senator Raphael Warnock shared on social media that he was “heartbroken” to learn about the situation, stating: “I’m monitoring the situation closely and join all of Georgia as we pray for the safety of our servicemembers, staff, and their families.”
U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, whose district includes Fort Stewart, also confirmed he was monitoring developments closely. Army officials have stated that the incident is under investigation, and “no additional information will be released until the investigation is complete.”
Impact on Surrounding Community
The active shooter incident affected not only the military installation but also surrounding communities. Several schools implemented security measures in response to the situation:
On-Base Schools
- Three elementary schools at Fort Stewart were initially placed on lockdown
- Schools have nearly 1,400 students according to Department of Defense
- Lockdown was lifted and dismissal proceeded at normal time
Off-Base Schools
- Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Snelson Golden Middle School implemented soft lockdowns
- Appling County School System placed all schools under Level 1 lockdown
- All off-base school lockdowns were lifted after the suspect was apprehended
School buses at Fort Stewart area schools after lockdown was lifted
During the active phase of the incident, all gates into the Army post were closed, and the Liberty County School System implemented precautionary measures “out of an abundance of caution.”
About Fort Stewart Military Installation
Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia. The installation serves as home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and their family members.
Main entrance to Fort Stewart, home of the 3rd Infantry Division
The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, where the shooting occurred, is one of the primary units stationed at Fort Stewart. Early last year, officials at the base conducted exercises specifically designed to test the installation’s ability to respond to emergencies and threats, including active shooter and hostage situations.
Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart
Steven Hood, Fort Stewart’s Deputy to the Garrison Commander, previously stated that these exercises were conducted “all in an effort to hone our skills, to learn how to work together, and to communicate during times of tragedy or emergencies like we are simulating here.”
Safety Protocols During Active Shooter Situations
Active shooter response training conducted at military installations
Military installations like Fort Stewart have established protocols for responding to active shooter situations. These protocols typically follow the “Run, Hide, Fight” principle recommended by security experts:
RUN
- Evacuate if there is an accessible escape path
- Leave your belongings behind
- Help others escape if possible
- Prevent others from entering the area
- Call 911 when you are safe
HIDE
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
- Lock doors and block entries
- Silence your cell phone
- Turn off lights and remain quiet
- Stay in place until cleared by authorities
FIGHT
- As a last resort when your life is in imminent danger
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Act with physical aggression
- Improvise weapons
- Commit to your actions
During the Fort Stewart incident, authorities implemented their emergency response plan effectively, issuing clear lockdown instructions and apprehending the suspect within approximately 40 minutes of the initial report.
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
Investigators processing the scene at Fort Stewart following the active shooter incident
The investigation into the Fort Stewart shooting is ongoing. Army officials have not released information about the identity of the suspected shooter or potential motives behind the attack. Similarly, details about the conditions of the five wounded soldiers have not been made public at this time.
As this is a developing situation, information may change as investigators gather more evidence and official statements are released. We will continue to update this article as new details emerge.
Military families gathering near Fort Stewart following the incident
For those seeking information about family members stationed at Fort Stewart, the Army has established channels for communication. However, officials ask that people avoid calling emergency lines unless they have critical information related to the incident.
Supporting the Fort Stewart Community
As the Fort Stewart community processes this tragic event, support resources are available for military personnel and their families. The Army provides counseling services through Military OneSource and the Military Family Life Counseling Program.
Our thoughts remain with the wounded soldiers, their families, and the entire Fort Stewart community during this difficult time. We encourage everyone to rely on official sources for information and to respect the privacy of those affected by this incident.
American flag at Fort Stewart as the community responds to the shooting incident
For additional information about Fort Stewart and official updates on this situation, visit the Fort Stewart official website or follow their social media channels for the most current information.
Fort Stewart Army base in Georgia, site of Wednesday’s active shooter incident
Know How to Respond to Active Shooter Situations
Download our comprehensive guide on active shooter response protocols for civilian and military settings.
Emergency Contact Information
If you have information about the Fort Stewart incident or need to report an emergency:
For non-emergency information about Fort Stewart: