The final respects for Roger Fortson were paid at a megachurch in suburban Atlanta, where Air Force members, family, friends, and others gathered to mourn his loss. Fortson was a Black senior airman who was shot and killed in his Florida home by a sheriff’s deputy. The service at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest saw people lining up to view Fortson’s body in his Air Force dress blues, with an American flag draped over his coffin. Col. Patrick Dierig spoke highly of Fortson, saying that he was admired by many and had been great even before joining the Air Force.
The eulogy at Fortson’s service included references to civil rights icon Medgar Evers, highlighting the challenges faced by Black service members in America. The Rev. Jamal Bryant called for justice in Fortson’s killing, labeling it as murder and emphasizing the need for accountability. The family’s lawyer, Ben Crump, praised Fortson as an American patriot and promised to remember him for the positive impact he had made in the world. The Rev. Al Sharpton also spoke out against Fortson’s death, calling for the country to stand up and fight for him.
The circumstances surrounding Fortson’s death are under investigation, with conflicting reports regarding the events leading up to the shooting. The deputy involved claims self-defense, stating that Fortson opened the door holding a gun pointed towards the floor, leading to the deputy firing six shots. Fortson’s family and attorney argue that the shooting was unjustified, as Fortson was alone in his home and posed no threat to the deputy. Despite requests for information under Florida’s open records act, the sheriff has yet to release an incident report, 911 records, or the officer’s identity.
Fortson’s mother has vowed to seek justice for her son, highlighting his positive character and lack of violent history. The family is demanding accountability for the deputy’s actions and is determined to ensure that Fortson’s death does not go unpunished. The case has sparked outrage and concern, as it is one of many instances where Black individuals have been shot in their homes by law enforcement. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, and the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave while the details are being examined.
The service for Fortson included emotional tributes and calls for justice, as the community mourned the loss of a young and promising member of the Air Force. The sea of Air Force blue in attendance highlighted the impact Fortson had made on his colleagues and friends in the military. The circumstances surrounding Fortson’s death continue to be investigated, with his family and legal team pushing for transparency and accountability. The community has come together to support the Fortson family and to honor Roger Fortson’s memory as an American patriot who served his country with pride and integrity.
