
(Scypre.com) – In a somber press conference, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden unveiled body camera footage capturing a tragic incident outside a Fort Walton Beach apartment. The video, released on Thursday, shows a deputy firing almost instantaneously as the door opens to reveal Roger Fortson, a Black U.S. Air Force Senior Airman, holding a handgun pointed toward the ground.
This incident has sparked outrage, with Fortson’s family and their legal representation vehemently arguing against the justification of the shooting.
The incident occurred on May 3, when the deputy, responding to a report of a disturbance, arrived at the apartment complex. An interaction with a woman outside the building led him upstairs, where he approached Fortson’s door. The footage documents the deputy announcing his presence loudly — “Sheriff’s office! Open the door!” — before stepping aside. As the door opened, revealing Fortson with a gun aimed downward, the deputy commanded him to step back, firing his weapon almost immediately. Subsequent commands to drop the gun were met with Fortson’s protests of not holding the weapon as he lay injured.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson’s family, criticized the deputy’s actions, suggesting a grave mistake in apartment identification and accusing the deputy of not announcing himself adequately. Crump emphasized that Fortson, who was engaged in a FaceTime call with his girlfriend at the time, had armed himself only after hearing disturbances outside his apartment. This narrative starkly contrasts with the deputy’s claims of self-defense.
In the aftermath, the sheriff’s office has refrained from disclosing the identity or race of the deputy involved, who has since been placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Sheriff Aden, addressing the public and media, conveyed his condolences to Fortson’s family, affirming the integrity and transparency of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has reignited discussions on police conduct and racial injustices, echoing past tragedies where Black individuals were fatally shot by police in their own homes. Crump drew parallels between Fortson’s death and other notable cases, such as Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson, where victims were mistaken as threats in their residences. He pointed out the recurring themes of racial profiling and the excessive use of force in these encounters.
Fortson, described by friends and family as a dedicated airman and a loving son, had served in the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field. His role as a special missions aviator was a testament to his commitment and bravery. His untimely death has left the community and his loved ones grappling with grief and seeking answers.
Crump, who has been at the forefront of several high-profile racial justice cases, including those of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for Fortson. As the community mourns, there is a collective call for accountability and a reevaluation of police protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
The FDLE has indicated that the investigation will be meticulous, and findings will be disclosed upon completion. Meanwhile, the Fortson family, backed by their legal team and national civil rights advocates, vows to continue their fight for clarity and justice. As the case unfolds, it adds another chapter to the ongoing national dialogue about law enforcement and its impact on communities of color.