An unarmed soldier tackled the gunman who opened fire at Fort Stewart before five others leaped into action to subdue the shooter and render life-saving medical care to victims, officials said Thursday.
The decisive action by those six soldiers quickly brought Sgt. Quornelius Samentrio Radford, the suspected shooter, under control and helped get victims to the hospital in time to save their lives, officials said.
“One of the soldiers tackled the person,” Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll told reporters.
“So just think about this: They were unarmed and ran at and tackled an armed person who they know knew was actively shooting their buddies, their colleagues, their fellow soldiers. Another soldier jumped on top of the person to subdue them until federal law enforcement was able to arrive.”
All of the victims survived their wounds and are expected to recover.
Three of the victims were released from hospitals on Wednesday while two more, both women, were still being treated on Thursday, officials said.
One of those still-hospitalized soldiers was “doing very well, in high spirits” at Winn Army Community Hospital and could go home this weekend, said Brig. Gen. John Lubas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division.
The other shooting victim at Savannah Memorial Community Hospital has “a little bit longer road,” but doctors are confident she’ll make a complete recovery, according to Lubas.
Sgt. Radford, 28, remained in custody on Thursday. He joined the Army in January of 2018, is listed as an automated logistical specialist, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart, records showed.
The army base is about 40 miles southwest of Savannah.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
“Heroes of Fort Stewart—Six Unarmed Soldiers Stop Shooter”
[Intro: 0:00–0:20 seconds]
(Scene: Calm background, narrator on screen with serious tone)
“On August 6, 2025, Fort Stewart, one of the United States’ largest Army installations, became the scene of a harrowing ordeal. An active-duty sergeant allegedly opened fire on his fellow soldiers, but thanks to the extraordinary bravery of six unarmed soldiers, further tragedy was averted. In this vlog, we honor their heroism.”
*[Scene Transition: Flash images of Fort Stewart, subdued shooter, then focusing on the soldiers being honored]
The Incident (0:20–1:00)
Time & Location: Around 10:56 a.m. EDT, at the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area of Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sgt. Quornelius Samentrio Radford allegedly opened fire using a personal 9mm Glock handgun WikipediaAP NewsBusiness Insider.
Immediate Response: Within moments, base security initiated lockdown protocols. Law enforcement arrived swiftly https://www.walb.comhttps://www.wtvm.comArmy.
Acts of Valor (1:00–2:00)
Subduing the Shooter: Six soldiers—unarmed and under fire—ran toward the danger. One tackled the shooter; another leaped on top and restrained him until law enforcement took over NBC ChicagoAP NewsNew York PostThe Washington Post.
Saving Lives: Brig. Gen. John Lubas commended their swift action, stating they “without a doubt, prevented further casualties” The Washington PostCBS NewsNBC Chicago.
Providing Aid: Staff Sgt. Melissa Taylor, a combat medic, immediately rendered aid to a wounded soldier—helping stabilize victims before medical teams arrived ABC17NEWSThe Guardian.
Recognition and Updates (2:00–2:40)
Awards Bestowed: Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll honored the six soldiers with Meritorious Service Medals, affirming their actions under fire “absolutely saved lives” ABC17NEWSThe GuardianNew York Post.
Soldiers Named: The brave individuals recognized were:
First Sgt. Joshua Arnold
Master Sgt. Justin Thomas
Staff Sgt. Melissa Taylor
Staff Sgt. Robert Pacheco
Sgt. Aaron Turner
Sgt. Eve Rodarte https://www.wjhg.comhttps://www.wtoc.com.
Medical Status: Three of the wounded soldiers were released from the hospital the same day. Two remain under care—one expected to recover soon, another facing a longer recovery https://www.wjhg.comABC17NEWSThe Guardian.
The Bigger Picture (2:40–3:20)
Securing the Scene: Authorities have launched a full investigation into how Radford was able to bring a personal firearm onto base—despite strict regulations Business InsiderThe Washington PostWikipediaThe Sun.
Motives Unclear: Radford’s motive remains under investigation. Reports suggest he had a DUI arrest in May unknown to his command; additionally, he may have sent a troubling goodbye message to his aunt before the incident Business InsiderThe GuardianThe Sun.
Broad Implications: The shooting shocks the notion that military bases are impermeable to internal threats—underscoring ongoing concerns about security within our armed forces AP NewsThe Washington PostBusiness Insider.
Closing Thoughts (3:20–4:00)
(Narrator on screen, somber tone shifting to admiration)
“In moments of chaos, courage can make all the difference. These six soldiers exemplified extraordinary valor—choosing action over fear, running toward danger to protect their own. Their swift and selfless response likely saved multiple lives that day. Let this serve as a reminder: true heroes don’t wait—they act.”
[Outro: Fade-out with a black screen and white text]
“Honoring courage. Remembering sacrifice. #FortStewartHeroes”
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