Funeral Held for Airman Roger Fortson, Killed by Florida Deputy

Hundreds gathered on May 17, 2024, at a megachurch in suburban Atlanta to mourn the death of a young airman who was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy in Florida earlier this month. The funeral for the 23-year-old airman, who was a member of the U.S. Air Force, drew military personnel, family, and friends, all paying their respects to a life tragically cut short.

The airman, who had served in combat zones and was stationed at a base in Florida, was shot six times by a deputy responding to a call about a possible domestic disturbance at his apartment complex. The incident occurred on May 3, when the deputy arrived at the wrong apartment, according to the airman’s family and their attorney. The airman was reportedly holding a legally owned handgun pointed toward the ground when he opened the door to the deputy, who then shouted commands before firing.

During the service, military officials and family members spoke of the airman’s character and accomplishments. A commanding officer described him as a "warrior with a kind heart," emphasizing that his virtues were instilled in him long before he joined the military. The airman’s mother, in a poignant moment, vowed to seek justice for her son, stating, “You’re going to give me justice whether you want to, Sheriff Aden, or not.” The circumstances surrounding the shooting have sparked outrage and renewed discussions about police conduct, particularly regarding the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement. The airman’s family argues that the shooting was unjustified, asserting that he was merely responding to a noise outside his apartment while on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend. They contend that the deputy acted recklessly and that the shooting reflects broader issues of systemic racism within law enforcement.

The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, and an investigation is underway by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. However, the sheriff's office has yet to release an incident report or the deputy's name, despite public requests for transparency. This lack of information has fueled further frustration among the airman’s supporters, who demand accountability.

The funeral service featured a powerful eulogy from a prominent pastor, who highlighted the ongoing struggle against racism in America. He remarked, “In America, before people see you as a veteran, as an airman in the United States Air Force, they’ll see you as a Black man.” This sentiment echoes a long history of racial discrimination faced by Black service members, who have often fought for freedoms abroad that they do not enjoy at home.

The airman’s death is part of a troubling trend in which Black individuals are disproportionately affected by police violence. According to a report from the Mapping Police Violence project, Black people are three times more likely to be killed by police than white individuals. This statistic underscores the urgency of addressing systemic issues within law enforcement and the need for comprehensive reforms.

As the community mourns the loss of a promising young man, tributes have emerged at the site of the shooting, including flowers and messages honoring his memory. Family members and friends remember him as a dedicated individual who aspired to make a positive impact in the world. His sister reflected on his character, stating, “He was supposed to have a million more accomplishments.”

The airman’s story has resonated beyond his immediate community, drawing attention from civil rights leaders and prompting calls for justice from various organizations. The Congressional Black Caucus has expressed support for the family’s pursuit of accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency in the investigation.

As the investigation continues, the airman’s family and supporters remain steadfast in their demand for justice, hoping that their efforts will lead to meaningful change in the way law enforcement interacts with communities of color. The airman’s legacy, they assert, should not be defined by the tragic circumstances of his death but rather by the light he brought into the lives of those who knew him.