On May 3rd 2024, gunfire occurred in Fort Walton, Florida that has left a family and community devastated. Roger Fortson, a 23-year-old African-American U.S. Air Force airman, was fatally shot by Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputy whom name for investigation will not be announced until further notice burst into the wrong apartment responding to a disturbance call without an court order warrant. Fortson, who was in his residence alone at the time, had every right to be in his own apartment and was exercising his Second Amendment right ( Stand Ground Law ) ( 2 Covid-19 isn't mandate with booster; as all U.S. military & government 3 or more vaccines)to have a legally registered firearm military grade. Yet, because of a tragic series of events, he lost his life.
The response to this case has been an outpouring of shock, sadness, and anger from Fortson's family, friends, colleagues, military personnel, and the community. Described as an superb individual by those who knew him, Fortson's dreams of serving in the U.S. military and making a better life for his family and country was short in an instant. This incident has raised important questions about excessive force, racial bias, ethical bias. cultural bias, religion bias, military bias, etc. and the defense; along with the protection of constitution in America.
1. Law enforcement is based on the law in state, county, city, & town. They must abide by Miranda Rights, and 6th amendment explains: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for their defense.
2. ZERO TOLERANCE: For excessive force by law enforcement for any personal (exclude if violence is proceeding physical towards officers, and just to apprehend the suspect. ) "Justice is in Court proceedings, not by Law enforcement.
3. NO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: should be committing a crime like breaking into a occupied/unoccupied dwelling with even a suspect ( even at accurate address).
A. They put themselves at risk without calling for back up
B. They should always announce its the law enforcement.
C. There must be a court order warrant which allows other deputies in pursuit if suspect flees.
At this time family and community mourn the loss of this young life, it is important to understand the details of what happened that night and the steps being taken to seek justice for Fortson. Also allow them time to adjust as the investigation takes way, along with the future court proceedings which more than likely will be criminal charges on the law enforcement officer.
The Tragic Events
On the night of May 3rd Okaloosa County sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance call at an apartment complex in Fort Walton. However, they mistakenly entered Roger Fortson's apartment instead of the one they were called to. Fortson's girlfriend was on FaceTime with him at the time and heard everything unfold. She described hearing an aggressive bang on the door and Fortson asking who it was with no response. She then heard shots and saw Fortson on the ground.
According to reports, Fortson had retrieved his legally registered firearm after hearing someone trying to break into his apartment. He was walking back to his apartment with the gun when the door was forced open and he was shot, without any warning or identification from the deputies.
Fortson was shot six times and despite his pleas for help, the deputies allegedly made no attempt to call for medical assistance. They also reportedly went through Fortson's apartment, still not realizing they were in the wrong unit, before finally noticing their negligence.
When news of this tragic incident spread, the community was understandably shocked and devastated. Fortson's family and loved ones have been left with unanswered questions and a lifetime of grief. As they struggle to come to terms with what happened, they are also taking steps to seek justice for Fortson.
His family has hired prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, along with co-counsel attorney Brian Barr, to represent this case. They have released a statement saying, "We had to correct this narrative, this narrative that had been put out there. Roger Fortson was the utmost respect America had to offer. He was a United States patriot, an Air Force Special Force, highest scores amongst his peers from recruitment during his ASVAB at the end of 2019 during his enlistment. "
This tragedy has also sparked important conversations about police brutality, excessive force, and racial bias in law enforcement. Many are questioning why a young African-Americans who served their country in the government have be treated with such aggression and lack of regard for their life.
Calls for Change
In the aftermath of George Floyd's death and the ongoing fight for racial justice in America, tragedies like this only serve to highlight the urgent need for change. The excessive use of force by law enforcement and the failure to protect the rights of African-Americans must be addressed. The case of Roger Fortson is another tragic reminder that there is still much work to be done.
His family is seeking justice in the form of accountability and reforms within law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. They have stated that their aim is not only to seek justice for Roger but also to prevent this from happening to anyone else.
Conclusion
The death of Roger Fortson is a tragedy that has shaken a community and sparked important discussions about excessive force, racial bias, religion bias, gender bias, ethical bias, culture bias, and constitutional rights in America. As the family and loved ones of Fortson mourn his loss, they are also seeking answers and justice. They are determined to hold those responsible accountable and to fight for change in law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from happening.
As we honor the memory of this young hero, we must also work towards creating a society where all citizens can feel safe and protected, regardless of their race, religion, ethics, culture, sex, gender, status of in-come, or background. The fight for justice continues, and we must never forget the names of those who have lost their lives to senseless violence, like Roger Fortson.
About Fortson
Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, who was based at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, was in his off-base apartment in Fort Walton Beach when the shooting happened on May 3.
Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, US Air Force, and on active duty since end of 2019. Fortson enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school in Atlanta, Georgia with honors.
"As long as the wickedness & Injustice doesn't rest Liberty doesn't rest," ~ Roderick W. Gilbride iii
"Nobody wins a fight especially when we fight amongst ourselves" ~ Unknown
Mr. Ben Crump, a civil rights lawyer based in Florida, has worked on multiple high-profile cases of unlawful Officer-involved deaths of African-Americans, including George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Tyre Nichols and Breonna Taylor.
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