A 28-year-old U.S. Army soldier is accused of opening fire on five of his fellow service members at Fort Stewart in Georgia after sending a disturbing text message to a family member.
The Shooting Incident
On Wednesday morning, Quornelius Radford, an automated logistics sergeant, allegedly used his personal handgun to shoot members of his unit while at work. The attack happened at Fort Stewart, where Radford has been stationed for about three years.
Chilling Message Before the Attack
Investigators say they are still trying to determine why Radford carried out the shooting. However, just before the incident, Radford sent a troubling text to his aunt, according to his father. In the message, he reportedly said that soon he would “be in a better place.”
Army Response and Ongoing Investigation
Brig. Gen. John Lubas confirmed that the shooting took place within Radford’s unit and involved his co-workers. “We’re still not certain about the motivations,” he told reporters. Military investigators are continuing to gather evidence to understand what led to the attack.
Injured Soldiers in Stable Condition
The five soldiers who were shot were hospitalized on Wednesday and are in stable condition. Doctors expect all of them to recover. Officials say the situation could have been far worse if not for the quick actions of other soldiers.
Acts of Bravery on the Scene
According to reports, an unarmed soldier tackled Radford to the ground after the shooting began. Another soldier quickly helped pin him down until police arrived. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll praised their courage, saying, “These American soldiers highlight exactly what the Army has meant to this country.”
Legal Proceedings
Military officials confirmed that Radford will face charges under the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. Once the investigation is complete and charges are finalized, he will be tried in military court.
The incident has shaken the Fort Stewart community and raised questions about what may have driven the soldier to carry out the attack. As the investigation continues, Army leaders are commending the bravery of the soldiers who risked their lives to protect others.
