An Army sergeant accused of opening fire on fellow soldiers at Fort Stewart with his personal weapon pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges, highlighting serious security concerns about personal firearms on military bases.
Story Highlights
- Sgt. Quornelius Radford pleaded not guilty to shooting five people, including four soldiers and his civilian partner
- Fellow soldiers immediately intervened to disarm the shooter and prevent potential fatalities
- The August 2025 incident involved a personal handgun brought onto Fort Stewart, raising base security questions
- Trial scheduled for June 2026 with potential life imprisonment if convicted on attempted murder charges
Sergeant Denies Attempted Murder Charges
Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, entered not guilty pleas to six counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and domestic violence during his December 19, 2025 arraignment. The 15-minute teleconference hearing addressed charges stemming from an August 6 shooting at Fort Stewart that wounded five people. Col. Gregory Batdorff presided over the military court proceedings, confirming Radford understood his rights while waiving his right to challenge evidence pre-trial.
Radford’s defense team deferred their decision on whether to request a jury trial or proceed before a military judge alone. The case has been referred to general court-martial, the military’s most serious judicial proceeding typically reserved for the gravest offenses. Pretrial hearings are scheduled for February 2026, with jury selection in March and trial beginning June 15, 2026.
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Personal Weapon Used in Base Attack
The shooting occurred in a supply unit office building at Fort Stewart using Radford’s personal handgun, raising questions about weapon security protocols on military installations. Four soldiers and one civilian worker—identified as Radford’s intimate partner—sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Three victims suffered grievous injuries including chest and abdomen wounds, demonstrating the severity of the attack that could have resulted in multiple fatalities.
Fellow soldiers immediately responded to neutralize the threat, disarming Radford and providing first aid to wounded personnel. Their rapid intervention likely prevented additional casualties and deaths. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll visited Fort Stewart the following day to award Meritorious Service Medals to six soldiers who responded heroically during the crisis, recognizing their life-saving actions under extreme duress.
Military Justice System Addresses Workplace Violence
Fort Stewart, the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River, houses the 3rd Infantry Division where Radford served as a supply sergeant since enlisting in 2018. The incident highlights rare but serious interpersonal violence cases within military ranks, particularly involving personal weapons brought onto secure installations. Brig. Gen. John Lubas praised soldiers’ immediate first aid response while emphasizing the Army’s commitment to accountability and justice.
Radford remains in pretrial confinement at a Navy brig in Charleston, South Carolina, as the military justice system proceeds with prosecution. If convicted on attempted murder charges, he faces potential life imprisonment under military law. The case underscores ongoing concerns about mental health support, personal firearm policies, and domestic violence prevention within military communities, affecting thousands of soldiers and families at the Georgia installation.
Army sergeant pleads not guilty to charges that he shot 5 people at a Georgia base https://t.co/A83pAo8J8F
— The Reading Eagle (@ReadingEagle) December 19, 2025
Sources:
Army Sergeant Pleads Not Guilty to Charges He Shot 5 People at Georgia Base
Soldier charged in Fort Stewart shooting scheduled for arraignment
