Congressional Black Caucus: Public trust “broken” after police killing of Roger Fortson

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on Thursday called on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to release its findings into the police shooting of Roger Fortson, a 23-year-old senior airman who was shot six times and killed by a deputy earlier this month. .

CBC said in a statement: “Senior Airman Fortson was a son, brother, friend and patriot who should still be with his family.” “He is an Air Medal of Honor recipient who served our country honorably, and we are forever grateful for his heroism and service.”

Body camera footage from the shooting released last week shows an unidentified deputy shooting Fortson multiple times within seconds of opening the apartment door.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Fortson had a legally owned gun in his hand at the time, but he grabbed it without identifying who was at the door. Mr. Crump is representing Mr. Fortson’s family.

“Public trust has been undermined and the lives of young Black men have been unjustly taken,” the CBC reported Thursday.

“CBC calls on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to release the results of the investigation and additional information to affected families and communities, and demands immediate justice and accountability for those involved.”

The deputy who shot Fortson was responding to a domestic disturbance call, but family members and Crump say he went to the wrong apartment. Fortson was alone in the apartment when officers knocked on the door. They accused Okaloosa police of trying to smear Fortson’s name.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden met with Fortson’s family and Crump last week. He said his representatives went to the correct address and denied the claims of defamation.

Aden added that the state law enforcement agency is conducting a criminal investigation and hopes for a peaceful resolution.

CBC added Thursday that Fortson’s family is sending its condolences to members.

“There are no words that can adequately express the grief we are feeling, or words that are sufficient to ease the pain of losing a loved one to police shootings,” the caucus said.