An attorney representing the family of a Black airman who was fatally shot by a Florida deputy in his home is urging authorities to release law enforcement bodycam footage. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Roger Fortson, was an active-duty senior airman, according to family attorney Ben Crump.
Crump expressed concerns over the circumstances surrounding Fortson's death, especially after a witness claimed that the deputy may have entered the wrong apartment. The incident occurred when deputies responded to a call for a disturbance in progress at an apartment in Okaloosa County.
Sheriff Eric Aden stated that a deputy encountered Fortson, who was armed with a gun, and shot him in self-defense after identifying himself as law enforcement. Fortson later succumbed to his injuries, prompting the deputy to be placed on administrative leave.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been tasked with conducting the investigation into the shooting. The deputy involved has not been publicly identified.
Crump described Fortson as a respected member of the Air Force and emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation. He called for the immediate release of bodycam footage to the family.
According to a witness who was on a FaceTime call with Fortson during the incident, the airman retrieved his legally owned gun after hearing knocks at the door. The witness claimed that law enforcement entered the wrong apartment and that there was no disturbance at the time.
Fortson, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, joined active duty in November 2019. The Air Force is providing support to the family and the squadron in light of the tragic event.
The Fortson family and their attorney are scheduled to hold a news conference in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to address the incident.
