Fort Stewart Suspect Sent Foreboding Text to His Aunt — Then Shot Five Soldiers, Authorities Say

The 28-year-old soldier accused of shooting five fellow service members at Fort Stewart, Georgia, reportedly sent a disturbing text to a relative before the alleged attack.

On Wednesday morning, Quornelius Radford, an automated logistics sergeant in the Army, allegedly used his personal handgun to open fire on his unit, according to NBC News. Radford, originally from Jacksonville, Fla., had been stationed at Fort Stewart for about three years.

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. However, before the incident, Radford sent a message to his aunt, his father told The New York Times, indicating he would soon be in a “better place.”

Brig. Gen. John Lubas, commander of Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, told reporters, “What we know is this soldier, the shooting occurred at the soldier’s place of work. It did involve his co-workers. We’re still not certain about the motivations.”

The five soldiers Radford allegedly shot were hospitalized on Wednesday in stable condition, Lubas confirmed. All are expected to recover from their injuries.

The situation could have been worse if not for the brave actions of an unarmed soldier who tackled Radford, and another who helped pin him down, holding him until police arrived, The New York Times reported.

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll praised the soldiers involved, stating, “These American soldiers highlight exactly what the Army has meant to this country.”

Radford is set to face trial through the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, according to CNN, which cited military officials. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing as charges are being prepared, with military court proceedings to follow.