SHOOTING UPDATE: Fort Stewart shooting suspect apprehended after injuring five soldiers

Savannah Morning News

The shooter in the Wednesday morning Fort Stewart incident was apprehended by law enforcement at 11:35 a.m., according to the base’s public information officer.

There is no active threat to the community at this time, and at 1:50 p.m., Fort Stewart, Wright Army Airfield and Evans Army Airfield were cleared.

Five soldiers were shot and treated on-site before being moved to the Winn Army Community Hospital.

One of the wounded soldiers was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, according to Bryna Gordon, marketing and public relations coordinator for the hospital. She said another was expected to arrive shortly. Memorial Health is the only Level 1 trauma center in coastal Georgia.

Law enforcement was dispatched for a potential shooting at the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) area at 10:56 a.m. Fort Stewart went into lockdown at 11:04 a.m.

When Francesca Elmer heard the news of the shooting at 11:38 a.m., she called her husband, who was stationed on the base to assure that he was safe.  “I am a little shocked right now and can’t really talk,” Elmer wrote in a text chain over Facebook Messenger, but she added, “I am not surprised.”  While the motive of the shooting is unknown, Elmer wrote in a Facebook comment that “too often, (soldiers) are placed under unrealistic stress, heavy demands, long hours, and unfair treatment.”

She and her husband have lived near Fort Stewart since May.

Elmer cites training in poor weather conditions, unsanitary environments and high competition between peers.  “Under those conditions, anyone could reach a breaking point.”

Three elementary schools on the base―James H. Diamon Elementary School, Kessler Elementary School and Murray Elementary School―also went into lockdown during the active shooting.

Michael O’Day, Americas Communication Director with the Department of Defense Education Activity, said that at no time was there any danger to the students or staff, and all are safe.

“We extend our sincere thanks to parents, students, staff, and local authorities for their cooperation and support during this time,” O’Day wrote in an email to the Savannah Morning News.

In response to the active shooter incident, nearby Liberty County Public Schools placed a soft lockdown on its three campuses as well: Button Gwinnett Elementary; Joseph Martin Elementary; Snelson Golden Middle School.

Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Ga., 40 miles southwest of Savannah, is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River. It covers 279,270 acres, which include parts of six counties. More than 10,000 soldiers, family members and Army civilian employees reside on the post.

Ansley Franco is an intern with the Savannah Morning News, covering public safety and general assignments. you can reach her at [email protected].

Jillian Magtoto and Destini Ambus contributed to this reporting.