Georgia Army Base Shooting Suspect Had History Of Being Bullied, Former Colleagues Reveal

THE U.S. Army has identified Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, as the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting at Fort Stewart, Georgia, that left five soldiers wounded.

Former colleagues say the incident was shocking, describing Radford as a quiet, playful, and hardworking soldier — but one who had faced relentless bullying over his stutter early in his military career.

Radford, an automated logistical specialist with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, allegedly opened fire with a personal handgun shortly before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, injuring five fellow soldiers. Army officials confirmed all victims were in stable condition; three were released from hospital the same day, while two women remained under treatment Thursday.

Fellow soldiers tackled and subdued Radford, ending the attack. He remains in custody and is being questioned by the Army Criminal Investigation Division. A motive has not been established.

Radford, a Jacksonville, Florida native, joined the Army in January 2018 and attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, Virginia. Former colleagues there recall the young soldier being mercilessly mocked for his speech impediment.

“He got bullied a lot,” said Sgt. Cameron Barrett, who befriended Radford during training. “It was very bad, to the point where he could barely talk.” Barrett said others would mimic his stutter, prompting Radford to remain mostly silent.

Despite the harassment, Radford did not display anger or resentment, according to Barrett and another former classmate, Sgt. Carlos Coleman. Both described him as laid-back and personable, with no visible red flags.

Coleman said he was stunned by news of the shooting. “I’ve never seen him angry. That’s why I’m so surprised,” he said, adding that whatever happened must have been recent.

In a since-deleted Facebook post, Radford’s former superior, QuaSondra Cobb, shared a video of the two joking during lunch. “He was a hard worker… If he had any issues, he would come to me,” Cobb said. “I just didn’t see that coming.”

Radford’s father told The New York Times that his son had sought a transfer from Fort Stewart due to experiences of racism. On the morning of the shooting, Radford reportedly texted his aunt that he loved everyone and would “be in a better place” because he was “about to go and do something.”

The Army says its investigation into the incident is ongoing.