Fort Stewart on lockdown: Georgia Army base in crisis as active shooter triggers panic, 5 soldiers hospitalized

Gunfire erupted at Fort Stewart in Georgia on Wednesday morning, prompting the base commander to lock down facilities in the wake of this “active shooter” incident, reported AP. At least five soldiers were shot in the shooting incident at the US Army’s Fort Stewart in Georgia, a verified Facebook page for Fort Stewart and the associated Hunter Army Airfield said.

The nature of the soldiers’ injuries was unclear. All were taken to Winn Army Community Hospital, the post said. Law enforcement responded to reports of a possible shooting at 10:56 a.m., and the installation went into lockdown eight minutes later, the post said.

There is no threat to the community, the post added, noting the shooter has been apprehended. Two law enforcement officials previously told CNN the shooter is no longer a threat.


“We are currently assessing the situation but we can confirm an active shooter,” Lt. Col. Angel Tomko said. The army base is about 40 miles southwest of Savannah. Schools in the area were also placed on lockdown. The incident took place in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, according to ABC News.

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What happened at Fort Stewart?

Parts of the Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia were locked down Wednesday after an active shooter was reported on the sprawling Army post. A post on Fort Stewart’s Facebook page told all personnel in the locked down area to “stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors.”

The Georgia Army base was put under lockdown following reports of an active shooter. Lieutenant Colonel Angel Tomko told the Associated Press that officials are still assessing the situation.

Governor Brian Kemp is monitoring the situation, he said on X.

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“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,” Kemp said. “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.”

Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.

Georgia Representative Buddy Carter has issued a statement on the shooting.

“I am monitoring the situation at Fort Stewart,” Carter said. “Please join me in prayers for the casualties, their families, and the brave law enforcement officers working to protect our community.”

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“Due to the lockdown status all gates on Fort Stewart are currently closed,” the fort said on social media.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is in contact with responding law enforcement, he said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, whose district includes Fort Stewart, said in an online post that he's monitoring the shooting.

Nearby schools in Liberty County, Georgia are on a soft lockdown in response to the active shooter at Fort Stewart. The schools include Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary and Snelson Golden Middle School, according to Independent.

Students in the Appling County School System are also on a level one lockdown, according to their website.

(With inputs from AP)