Man Who Brought a Loaded Machine Gun Into a Hospital L&D Unit Gets 5.5 Years Prison
On August 17, 2023, what should have been a secure space for new mothers and infants was compromised when a loaded, modified automatic weapon was discovered in a labor and delivery unit. Terrell Monquez Searcy, a 21-year-old man from McDonough, Georgia who performs as Rapper Quez 2RR, was sentenced to 66 months (5.5 years) in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of a machine gun. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. Self, came after hospital security discovered a Glock Model 17 9mm handgun concealed under a couch cushion in a hospital room within the labor and delivery unit.
When confronted by security personnel, Searcy surrendered the weapon, which was equipped with a loaded 30-round extended magazine. Security officers noticed a full-auto sear pin attached to the rear of the slide—a modification that effectively converted the handgun into a fully automatic weapon. This discovery prompted them to contact police, who determined the firearm had been reported stolen from Walton County.
“Holding people found in possession of machineguns and with illegal conversion devices accountable for breaking federal law remains a top priority in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “This case exemplifies how law enforcement and prosecutors work together to effectively remove illegal firearms and other dangerous destructive devices from the streets in order to make our communities safer.”
For nurses working in maternal care units, this case serves as a sobering reminder of potential dangers that can enter even the most carefully monitored healthcare environments. Hospital security systems typically include controlled access points, visitor management protocols, and sometimes metal detectors, but determined individuals may still attempt to bring weapons into these spaces.a
The 5.5-year federal sentence handed to Searcy reflects the severity with which the justice system viewed this breach of hospital safety. The presence of an illegal automatic weapon in a space dedicated to new mothers and infants represented an unacceptable risk to vulnerable patients and the professionals caring for them.
As healthcare facilities continue to evaluate and enhance security measures, nursing professionals remain at the frontline of maintaining safe care environments while balancing security concerns with the need to provide compassionate, accessible care to all patients and families.
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