Five Soldiers Shot at Fort Stewart in Active Shooter Incident
Hinesville, GA – August 6, 2025 – Five soldiers were injured in an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart, a major U.S. Army base in southeast Georgia, on Wednesday morning. The shooting occurred in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, prompting a swift lockdown of the sprawling military installation. Authorities apprehended the suspect, a male soldier, within 39 minutes, and officials have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Incident Details
According to Fort Stewart officials, law enforcement was dispatched at 10:56 a.m. ET following reports of gunfire. The base was placed under lockdown at 11:04 a.m., with personnel instructed to stay indoors and secure all windows and doors. By 11:35 a.m., the suspected shooter was in custody. The injured soldiers were treated on-site before being transported to Winn Army Community Hospital for further medical care. Two of the victims were later transferred to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, a Level 1 trauma center, for specialized treatment. The conditions of the soldiers remain undisclosed, but no fatalities have been reported.
The incident, which unfolded approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah, led to a temporary lockdown of the entire Fort Stewart installation, including Wright and Evans Army Airfields. While the main cantonment area lifted its lockdown by 12:10 p.m., the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area remained secured as the investigation continued.
Official Response
Fort Stewart, the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River, is home to the 3rd Infantry Division and supports approximately 15,000 active-duty soldiers, 16,000 family members, and numerous civilian employees. The base’s commander, Brig. Gen. John Lubas, is expected to provide further updates in a press briefing scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow in a statement posted on X, saying, “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.”
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been briefed on the situation, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that the administration is monitoring developments. The FBI’s Savannah office is coordinating with the Army Criminal Investigation Division to provide investigative support, and the Hinesville Police Department assisted in securing the perimeter.
Community Impact
The shooting prompted a “soft lockdown” at nearby Liberty County schools, including Button Gwinnett and Joseph Martin Elementary Schools and Snelson Golden Middle School, out of an abundance of caution. The lockdown was lifted later in the day, with no reported threats to the schools. Fort Stewart’s DoDEA schools also implemented a lockdown, which was lifted by early afternoon, allowing normal dismissal times.
Local and federal officials have rallied in support of the Fort Stewart community. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) stated on X, “I’m heartbroken to see the news of an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart today. I’m monitoring the situation closely and join all of Georgia as we pray for the safety of our servicemembers, staff, and their families.” Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA), whose district includes Fort Stewart, also called for prayers for the victims and first responders.
Context and History
This incident marks the second shooting in recent years within the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team’s workspace. In December 2022, Sgt. Nathan Hillman, a 30-year-old Afghanistan veteran, was killed by a fellow soldier in the same unit’s building complex. Military bases have faced several soldier-on-soldier shootings in recent decades, including a 2019 attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola, where a Saudi Arabian soldier killed three people, and a 2014 shooting at Fort Hood in Texas, where a soldier undergoing evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder killed three and wounded 16.
The motive behind Wednesday’s shooting remains unclear, and the identity of the suspect has not been released. Army officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and no additional details will be provided until its completion.
Moving Forward
Fort Stewart, spanning nearly 280,000 acres, remains a critical hub for Army training and operations. As the community grapples with this tragedy, officials are urging the public to avoid speculation and await further updates from the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the challenges of ensuring safety on large military installations and the need for continued vigilance.
For those seeking additional information or wishing to provide tips, Fort Stewart officials recommend monitoring official social media channels or contacting local authorities.