U.S. Air Force Secretary Flies in AI-Controlled F-16 | Tragic Shooting of Airman

On May 3, 2024, Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident at his off-base apartment in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The incident occurred when deputies responding to a disturbance call burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot the Black U.S. Air Force airman, who was alone at home and armed with a gun.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson's family, revealed that the deputies entered Fortson's apartment under erroneous circumstances. Fortson, who was on a Facetime call with a woman, had heard a knock at the door and, upon receiving no response, retrieved his legally owned gun out of concern. Moments later, the deputies forcefully entered the apartment, encountered Fortson with the firearm, and subsequently shot him six times. Tragically, Fortson's final words were, "I can’t breathe."

Call for Transparency

The circumstances surrounding Fortson's death have raised serious questions, prompting a call for transparency in the investigation. Attorney Ben Crump and Fortson's family are advocating for the immediate release of body cam footage to shed light on the events leading up to the tragedy. There is an urgent need for authorities to provide immediate answers and clarity regarding this unfortunate incident.

Response from Authorities

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, under whose jurisdiction the incident occurred, has expressed sadness about the shooting. Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized the need for the community's patience as they strive to comprehend the facts surrounding the tragic event. The office has assured that an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the local State Attorney’s Office is underway to bring clarity to the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson.

Previous Incidents

Fortson's untimely death draws chilling parallels to previous cases where Black individuals were killed by police in their homes due to erroneous addresses or the use of excessive force in response to service calls. These similarities underscore the need for thorough investigations and accountability in cases involving law enforcement actions.

National Efforts for Accountability

Attorney Ben Crump, renowned for his involvement in high-profile law enforcement shooting cases concerning Black individuals, has been a staunch advocate for accountability and justice. Highlighting the need to elevate the value of Black lives, Crump's ongoing efforts seek to address systemic issues and enforce accountability for the killings of Black individuals at the hands of law enforcement.