Fort Stewart on lockdown: Georgia Army base in crisis as active shooter triggers panic, schools shut

Economic Times

5 days ago

Synopsis
Fort Stewart in Georgia was placed on lockdown Wednesday morning following reports of an active shooter, with casualties confirmed. Base officials are assessing the situation, while Governor Kemp expressed his sadness and offered prayers for the victims and their families. Nearby schools in Liberty and Appling Counties were also placed on lockdown as a precaution. The incident is under investigation.
Parts of the Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia were locked down Wednesday after an active shooter was reported on the sprawling Army post 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. In a Facebook post, Fort Stewart said "'casualties have been reported and the situation is ongoing.' It's unclear whether casualties include injuries, deaths or both.'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.
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.
'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.'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.