CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign County community is sending its heartfelt thoughts and support to the soldiers and families affected by a tragic shooting at Fort Stewart, a major U.S. Army base in southeast Georgia, on Wednesday.
Five soldiers were injured when an active shooter opened fire just before 11 a.m. in a workspace used by the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, part of the 3rd Infantry Division. The incident prompted a full base lockdown, which was lifted around 2 p.m. after the suspect was apprehended at 11:35 a.m.
The wounded soldiers were treated at the scene and later transported to Winn Army Community Hospital. Their current conditions have not been publicly released.
While the incident took place hundreds of miles from central Illinois, it struck a chord here at home. Champaign County is home to hundreds of veterans, military families, and active service members—many of whom have trained, served, or deployed alongside units at Fort Stewart.
Several area schools in Georgia went into lockdown as the situation unfolded. According to Fort Stewart officials, Brig. Gen. John Lubas is expected to provide more details during a press briefing later today.
This marks the second shooting in recent years within the same brigade’s facilities. In 2022, a soldier fatally shot Sgt. Nathan Hillman inside the unit’s headquarters.
The FBI, Hinesville Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies are assisting in the investigation. Federal and military officials, including President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have been briefed.
As this story develops, residents of Champaign County stand in solidarity with Fort Stewart, hoping for a swift recovery for the injured and peace for the affected families.