Fort Eisenhower Shooting Incident Ends With Lockdown Lifted
On the morning of December 14, 2024, Fort Eisenhower, located just outside Augusta, Georgia, was brought to a standstill following a tragic shooting incident. The U.S. Army base, formerly known as Fort Gordon, experienced what authorities described as an isolated event, locking down the installation after one person was shot and killed.
According to Fort Eisenhower's operations center, the lockdown began shortly after the incident at 7:50 AM, with personnel being instructed to take immediate action. The heightened alert was shared via social media, warning individuals to execute lockdown procedures. A message on Facebook read, “LOCK DOWN! LOCK DOWN! If you are in danger take appropriate action,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The lockdown lasted approximately two hours, and by 9:45 AM, the base announced the all-clear, stating there was no longer a threat to the community. Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic, the commanding general over the Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Eisenhower, confirmed the apprehension of the shooter, reassuring the community of their safety.
Maj. Gen. Janovic commented on the event during a press briefing, stating, “This morning at approximately 7:50 I closed the gates of Fort Eisenhower in immediate response to a shooting incident. Regrettably, this incident claimed the life of one person.” He emphasized, “Importantly, all indications suggest this was an isolated incident and there is no remaining threat to our community.”
The identity of the victim has yet to be released pending notification of next of kin. “The family deserves time to process this tragedy,” Janovic added, noting the base's commitment to supporting them. Fort Eisenhower promised assistance to anyone affected by the tragic event, reaffirming their role as a supportive community.
After the lockdown lifted, normal operations resumed, but several planned activities, such as the Army-Navy football game events, were canceled out of respect for the circumstances. The Army Cyber Command, which operates out of Fort Eisenhower, is closely monitoring the situation.
Additional updates shared via the base’s official Facebook page indicated the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is taking charge of the investigation. Local and federal authorities are also involved to determine the complete sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Despite the tension during the lockdown, base officials reminded the community of the precautions they had put in place, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring safety. “Fort Eisenhower is actively supporting the victim’s family and assistance will be available to anyone impacted by this tragedy,” clarified the announcement following the incident.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the installation, Fort Eisenhower, renamed on October 27, 2023, after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, has long served as a pivotal military hub since its establishment back in 1941. The base serves not only as the home for the U.S. Army Cyber Command but also as a residence for many military families.
With the community still coming to terms with the incident, officials urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior as part of their continued commitment to safety. “The safety and well-being of our communities, of our soldiers and their families, remains my top priority,” Maj. Gen. Janovic reassured the public.
This is still developing news, and Fort Eisenhower has committed to providing updates as new information becomes available. Community support for the victim’s family and efforts to heal from this incident have become central to the base’s immediate response.
Through this difficult time, Fort Eisenhower seeks to restore normalcy, offering mental health resources and community support services for all impacted by the incident.
The tragic shooting casts a shadow over the base, serving as a reminder of the challenges military families sometimes face. The community is urged to come together and support one another as investigations continue and healing begins.