The family of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, a Black member of the US Air Force, has called for a full investigation into his fatal shooting by sheriff’s deputies in Florida. Represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the family alleges that deputies mistakenly entered Fortson’s apartment without announcing their presence, leading him to reach for his legally owned firearm in self-defence under the assumption of a break-in.

The incident reportedly occurred after deputies responded to the wrong address. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, which has yet to fully comment on the family’s version of events, stated that an independent investigation is being conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Meanwhile, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.

According to attorney Crump, Fortson was unaware the intruders were law enforcement officials. He criticised the response as a failure in accountability, underscoring Fortson’s right to protect himself in his residence. The incident has ignited further dialogue concerning police shootings involving Black individuals under similar circumstances, spotlighting ongoing issues like police violence and systemic racism.

Fortson’s mother, Meka Fortson, described her son as intelligent, compassionate, and a loving sibling, expressing profound loss and a demand for clarity over the events leading to her son’s death. The sheriff’s office has announced that body camera footage will be shared with the public following a private viewing with the family.

As the case continues to unfold, there are heightened calls for transparency and justice from the local community and beyond.