At least five soldiers have been shot at an Army base in Georgia as officials have urgently locked down the surrounding area.
Law enforcement said an active shooter opened fire at Fort Stewart base on Wednesday morning around 11am, and multiple casualties have been reported.
Footage from the incident circulating on social media showed a number of soldiers seeking shelter as the active shooter warning was issued.
The army base confirmed that the five individuals that were shot were all soldiers, and were ‘treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment.’
Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, the Fort Stewart Police Department spokesperson, said that casualties have been reported. The exact conditions of the victims are not yet known.
The base said that the shooter was taken into custody and there is no further threat to the community. The suspect’s identity has not yet been released.
The shooter struck the 2ABCT aera of Fort Stewart, which includes the Wright and Evans Army Airfield.
Officials at local schools followed the army base in locking down the area, but said that there is ‘no immediate threat to the schools at this time.’
Officials warned anyone in the area of Fort Stewart to seek shelter, stay inside and lock all windows and doors.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said in a statement that he is remaining ‘in close contact with law enforcement on the ground’ as the situation continues.
‘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.’
President Trump has been briefed on the shooting, White House press secretary Karolien Leavitt said.
Fort Stewart is a US Army base around 40 miles south of Savannah, Georgia, and is home to the 3rd Infantry Division.
It hosts over 10,000 people including soldiers and their families.
The nearby Button Gwinnett Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Snelson Golden Middle Schools are under lockdown.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information is confirmed.
