FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Body camera footage released by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office in Florida depicts a deputy firing at a Black man, Roger Fortson, immediately upon his opening the door of his apartment, where he was later found dead. The incident, which took place on May 3, 2024, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement.
The video, presented by Sheriff Eric Aden, shows the deputy arriving at the apartment building, responding to reports of an argument. Despite shouting “Sheriff’s office! Open the door!” multiple times, the deputy opened fire as Fortson appeared at the door with a gun pointed downward. The family’s legal representative, Ben Crump, disputes the deputy’s claims of self-defense, suggesting that the deputy had entered the wrong apartment and failed to properly identify himself.
Fortson’s mother, Chantemekki Fortson, condemned the shooting as unjustifiable and emotionally recalled her son’s death during a news conference with Crump. The family maintains that the deputy acted hastily and without sufficient cause, leading to Fortson’s tragic death. The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Citing witness accounts and video evidence, Crump alleges that Fortson, a U.S. Air Force Senior Airman, was speaking with his girlfriend on FaceTime when he heard noises outside his apartment. The situation escalated quickly when the deputy entered the apartment and opened fire, claiming to have encountered an armed individual. The narrative presented by Crump challenges the initial reports provided by the sheriff’s office.
In response to the incident, civil rights activists have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is currently conducting an inquiry to determine the legality of the deputy’s actions. Community members and advocates are closely monitoring the case, demanding transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
The tragic death of Roger Fortson adds to a disturbing trend of fatal encounters between Black individuals and law enforcement officers. Similar cases across the country have raised concerns about implicit bias, police brutality, and the need for systemic reform. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are urging for a comprehensive review of police practices and protocols to prevent future tragedies like Fortson’s death. The quest for justice and accountability continues as the community mourns the loss of another Black life at the hands of law enforcement.