US: 5 soldiers shot at Army base in Georgia; active shooter prompts full lockdown; schools sealed, gates closed as search continues

Five soldiers were shot on Wednesday after an active shooter was reported at Fort Stewart, a sprawling US Army base in southeast Georgia, AP reported. The incident prompted an immediate lockdown of multiple areas, including schools and gates across the installation. The shooter was believed to be in the area of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, according to Fort Stewart officials. “Due to the lockdown status, all gates on Fort Stewart are currently closed,” the base announced in a social media update. Fort Stewart, located roughly 40 miles southwest of Savannah, is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River and home to thousands of soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division. All personnel in the lockdown zones were told to shelter in place, “Stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors,” the base said in a Facebook alert. Three elementary schools on base, serving nearly 1,400 students, were also placed on lockdown, confirmed Community Superintendent Brian Perry. Nearby schools just outside the base also took precautionary measures, according to the Liberty County School System. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said he’s in touch with law enforcement responding to the incident. US Representative Buddy Carter, who represents the district, said he is closely monitoring the situation. As of now, there is no official word on the condition of the injured soldiers or the status of the shooter.