The family of Roger Fortson, a Black U.S. Air Force airman, is asserting that the sheriff’s deputy who killed him was directed to the wrong apartment while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The lawyer for the family played police radio traffic and body camera footage at a news conference to support their claim. The dispatcher mentioned that the information about the disturbance was fourth-party information, and the deputy seemed unsure about the correct apartment to go to. Fortson was shot in the doorway of his apartment by the deputy on May 3, with sheriff’s officials citing self-defense as the reason for the shooting.
The family and their lawyer believe that the deputy went to the wrong apartment, and that the shooting was unjustified. Despite claims that the deputy entered the wrong unit, the sheriff has not released an incident report, 911 records, or the officer’s identity. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the case, and the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave. Fortson’s mother expressed her belief that her son did not deserve to be killed and vowed to fight for justice. A makeshift shrine has been set up outside Fortson’s apartment, with people leaving items in his memory.
Bodycam video of the confrontation shows the deputy arriving at the apartment building, speaking to a woman who heard an argument, and then confronting Fortson at his apartment door. Fortson, who legally owned a firearm, was seen holding a handgun pointed toward the floor when he opened the door. The deputy shot him six times after shouting for him to step back, causing Fortson to drop the gun. Paramedics were called afterwards, but Fortson did not survive. The incident adds to the ongoing cases of Black individuals being shot by law enforcement in their homes.
Fortson, a senior airman stationed at Hurlburt Field near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was described as a dedicated airman with accomplishments in his military career. He was known for his role as a special missions aviator, loading cannons on the AC-130J gunship. His family remembers him as a caring brother and son who worked hard to improve their lives. Despite the tragedy, they are determined to seek justice for Fortson and hold the responsible parties accountable. The community has shown support by setting up a memorial outside Fortson’s apartment, honoring his memory.
