Full Breakdown
Army Sergeant Quornelius Radford Seeks Guilty Plea in Fort Stewart Shooting Incident
3/14/2026, 4:13:55 PM
Overview of the Incident
Sgt. Quornelius Radford, a 28-year-old Army sergeant stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is seeking to plead guilty to charges stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on August 6, 2025. Radford is accused of shooting and wounding five individuals, including four soldiers and a civilian worker who was also his romantic partner. The incident took place within the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, part of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division, which is based at Fort Stewart, the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River.
Details of the Shooting
During the shooting, Radford allegedly used a personal handgun to open fire on his co-workers. Following the gunfire, bystanders intervened, disarming and restraining Radford. The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel reported that Radford initially faced 13 criminal counts, including six counts of attempted murder and six counts of aggravated assault. However, he is now seeking to plead guilty to a reduced set of charges: two counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and one count of domestic violence.
Timeline of Events
- August 6, 2025: The shooting incident occurs at Fort Stewart.
- March 2, 2026: A military judge holds a motions hearing where Radford's plea status changes from not guilty to guilty for a reduced set of charges.
- March 31, 2026: A subsequent court hearing is scheduled to consider Radford's plea change.
Official Responses
Brig. Gen. John Lubas, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, acknowledged the quick response of soldiers who provided first aid to the victims, stating that their actions likely saved lives. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll visited Fort Stewart the day after the incident to award Meritorious Service Medals to six soldiers who assisted in restraining Radford and treating the injured.
Criticism & Opposition
While there has been no public dissent regarding the actions of the soldiers during the incident, the lack of a disclosed motive for Radford's actions has raised questions among observers. The Army has not provided further details regarding the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies in the number of charges Radford is pleading guilty to, with some sources indicating he is admitting guilt to two counts of attempted murder and three counts of aggravated assault, while others mention different specifications. Additionally, the total number of victims has been reported variably, with some sources stating six victims, including one who was shot at but not hit.
What's Next
The military court will convene on March 31, 2026, to review Radford's plea change. If accepted, he could face a life sentence, as prosecutors have not negotiated a plea deal. Radford has been held in pretrial confinement since his arrest following the incident.
