Five soldiers have been shot after a gunman opened fire at the Fort Stewart Army base in Georgia, military officials have said.
The base, home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, was put on lockdown following reports of an “active shooter” just after 11 a.m. local time Wednesday.
“Five Soldiers were shot today in an active shooter incident in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area,” an update on the base’s official social media read. All Soldiers were treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment.
“There is no active threat to the community.”
The statement added that law enforcement was dispatched for a possible shooting in the 2nd ABCT complex at just before 11 a.m with the suspected shooter apprehended around a half hour later at 11:35 a.m.
Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to treat the wounded Soldiers at 11:09 a.m. Fort Stewart said that the incident remains under investigation, with no additional information released until the investigation is complete.
Following the initial reports of a shooter, those residing on the base were ordered the stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors, and report to the appropriate leadership. The lockdown order extended to the Wright and Evans Army Airfield.
Footage shared online on TikTok by a resident of the base showed soldiers running out of the barracks and round the side of a building to take cover.
Located about 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River, with the site stretching about 39 miles across from east to west, and 19 miles from north to south.
FBI Atlanta confirmed that agents from its Savannah office were aware of the situation and was coordinating with the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp reacted to the unfolding incident, writing on X: “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.”
Congressman Buddy Carter, who represents Georgia’s 1st district said he too was monitoring the situation.
“Please join me in prayers for the casualties, their families, and the brave law enforcement officers working to protect our community,” Carter wrote on X.
Nearby schools were also placed into light lockdown following the news, including those in the Appling County School System. “Out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with our commitment to student and staff safety, all Appling County Schools are currently in a Level 1 lockdown,” officials said.
The school lockdown was lifted shortly after.
