By Trend News Line 2024-05-08 22:30:50.
Senior Airman Roger Fortson, a young Black U.S. Air Force officer, tragically lost his life last week in a shocking incident that has left many questioning the actions of law enforcement. According to civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Fortson was shot and killed by a Florida police officer who mistakenly went to the wrong apartment while responding to a reported disturbance.
Wrong Apartment Entry
The lawyer representing Fortson’s family revealed that a witness, who was conducting a Facetime video call with the 23-year-old Airman, claimed that the deputy with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office knocked on Fortson’s door. Despite Fortson’s attempts to identify who was knocking, the knocking became aggressive, leading Fortson to arm himself with his legally owned gun. The witness stated that the police officers kicked in Fortson’s door, saw his gun, and shot him six times. Fortson was heard on the ground saying, “I can’t breathe,” before being pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Questionable Circumstances
The witness further claimed that there was no disturbance happening at the time of the incident, indicating that the officers had gone to the wrong apartment. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office provided a vague narrative, stating that the deputy reacted in self-defense after encountering a man armed with a gun. However, Crump expressed serious concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding Fortson’s death and called for an immediate investigation into the shooting.
Immediate Action Needed
Crump urged authorities to release any bodycam footage recorded during the incident and to stop demonizing Fortson in their statements to the media. He emphasized that Fortson was a dedicated U.S. Airman and a valued member of his community, and any attempts to tarnish his character only added to the pain felt by his loved ones. The deputy involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave, but their identity was not disclosed.
Past Controversies
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has faced scrutiny in the past due to questionable shootings, including an incident where a deputy shot at an unarmed and handcuffed Black man after mistaking a falling acorn for a gunshot. The deputy involved in that incident was allowed to resign while under investigation, with the department ultimately clearing him of any wrongdoing. The parallels between Fortson’s shooting and other cases of police violence against Black individuals, such as the 2018 killing of Botham Jean, have raised concerns about systemic issues within law enforcement.
Demand for Justice
As the investigation into Fortson’s death continues, Crump and Fortson’s family are calling for transparency and accountability from the authorities. The need for a thorough examination of the events leading to Fortson’s tragic death is paramount, and the community is watching closely for a fair and just resolution. The memory of Senior Airman Roger Fortson will not be forgotten, and his loved ones seek justice for the senseless loss of a promising young life..
Okaloosa Cop Wrong Apartment
Okaloosa Cop Witness Says.