On Wednesday at Fort Stewart in Georgia, a tragic incident unfolded when an active-duty Army sergeant, Sgt. Quornelius Samentrio Radford, alleged to have shot five comrades, sparking serious concerns regarding the safety measures in place at US military bases.
The 28-year-old Radford, who served in automated logistics, reportedly used his personal handgun to fire on fellow soldiers during the late morning hours. Base officials confirmed that nearby soldiers acted decisively, tackling and restraining Radford until the authorities arrived and took him into custody. Brig. Gen. John Lubas of the 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, praised the swift actions of the soldiers, stating, “These soldiers, without a doubt, prevented further casualties.” The five wounded soldiers are currently in stable condition, though three of them did require surgery.
This disturbing episode momentarily put Fort Stewart on lockdown and took place within the section housing the elite 3rd Infantry Division’s ‘Spartan Brigade’. This brigade is touted by the Army as its most modern combat unit. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time tragedy has struck this unit; it has previously suffered losses, including a tragic shooting that claimed the life of another sergeant just under three years ago.
In the previous year, the military police at Fort Stewart conducted training exercises simulating active shooter scenarios, reflecting an ongoing need for preparedness against potential violent encounters. This incident serves as a grim reminder that not even comprehensive safety drills can guarantee absolute security.
Notable Incidents of Violence at US Military Bases:
Fort Hood
On November 5, 2009, a psychiatrist in the Army, who held extremist views, initiated a shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, resulting in 13 fatalities, including an unborn child. Over 30 others were injured in this horrific attack. The perpetrator, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, was ultimately shot by a civilian officer on the scene. Following his conviction on numerous counts of murder in 2013, he remains on death row.
Washington Navy Yard
On September 16, 2013, a shooting perpetrated by a defense contractor claimed 12 lives and injured eight others at the Washington Navy Yard. Armed with a sawed-off shotgun, the attacker, Aaron Alexis, instigated chaos throughout the premises before being fatally shot by authorities.
Fort Hood, Again
Just a few short years later, Fort Hood once again became the site of violence when a specialist opened fire on April 2, 2014, resulting in the death of three individuals and injuries to 16 more. The incident arose following a dispute during an argument. The shooter later took his own life during a confrontation with military police.
Pearl Harbor
On December 4, 2019, a young Navy sailor opened fire within the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam complex, tragically killing two Department of Defense civilian workers before taking his own life.
Pensacola Naval Air Station
Just two days following the Pearl Harbor shooting, another tragedy unfolded at Pensacola Naval Air Station when a Saudi trainee began shooting, resulting in three US Navy casualties. This attack, labeled as an act of terrorism by the Department of Justice, raises significant questions regarding the vetting process for foreign military personnel.
