Bodycam footage has been released by Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden, providing evidence regarding the shooting of a Black airman in his home. This release aims to address the victim’s family’s claims that the deputy targeted the wrong flat.
Last week, a tragic incident occurred where Roger Fortson, a 23-year-old active-duty senior airman, was shot. According to his family’s attorney, Ben Crump, they argue that the constable mistakenly went to the incorrect unit.
Sheriff Aden shared the video during a news conference, confidently stating that the constable clearly identified himself on two occasions before the incident.
This incident took place after the constable had responded to a disturbance call. Fortson’s family maintains that authorities mistakenly targeted the wrong apartment, but Aden stresses that the investigation is still ongoing and no definitive conclusion has been reached regarding the deputy’s actions.
In the bodycam footage, the constable can be seen politely knocking on the door of flat 1401 and identifying himself as law enforcement. Within moments of the door opening, gunfire erupts, causing Fortson to collapse onto the floor. Despite the deputy’s commands, Fortson is observed reaching for his weapon, which leads to the firing of multiple shots.
After the footage was released, Fortson’s family once again expressed their belief that the authorities made a mistake by going to the wrong door. They highlighted their concerns about the absence of verbal commands prior to the shooting.
Crump also made public a nearly four-minute FaceTime call that supposedly captured the events leading up to the shooting. The call shows Fortson in a state of distress, with the subsequent audio revealing the extent of his injuries.
According to his family, Fortson, a committed serviceman, was engaged in playing video games before the incident occurred. According to Crump, Fortson, who is a lawful firearm owner, responded to the knocks at his door in self-defense.
This incident brings back discussions about police shootings in residential settings, reminding us of past tragedies where law enforcement’s actions resulted in fatalities in victims’ homes.