Okaloosa County sheriff addresses media following deputy shooting U.S. Airman to death

Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, was in his off-base apartment in Fort Walton Beach when the shooting happened on May 3. Sheriff Aden addressed the media Thursday.

[@gwp4eva]

you know, sheriff, we have the 2nd Amendment here in the USA. you can’t just pop off every time you see someone holding a gun. you had a report of “a disturbance”. no specifics other than a possible verbal argument. you were directed to an apartment but had no independent verification that that was the correct location. you heard no disturbance inside when you arrived at the door. when you knocked, you didn’t announce yourself and ducked away from the door to hide up against the wall. the young man probably went to his peephole and, seeing nothing, grabbed a weapon to defend himself against a possible intruder. when he opened the door, the gun was down at his side. he did not lunge, raise his arm, or do anything that could possibly be perceived as a threat. and you gave no directives to drop the gun before opening fire on him and striking him multiple times. you killed a young man, who broke no laws, because you were scared

[@You_suck_at_games]

Back the blue, no matter who. You don't have rights here. The cops have tough jobs and he was just following orders. They should never get in trouble for anything they do.

[@lakewoodil]

That's right Andy, get the hell out before someone manages to ask you a question that you don't want to answer.

[@michaelsmith8947]

Amazing how 17-18 year old soldiers have more restraint while constantly in war zones.

[@jacobtaylor7506]

The airman was still calm, even while dying.

[@tysonroger4021]

No they don't America killed like half a million civilians in Afghan/Iraq lmao.

[@delo18th]

@@tysonroger4021 lmao like that’s real funny bro

[@michaelsmith8947]

@@tysonroger4021 bombing may have killed that many… Soldiers didn’t bust through the door and fire without knowing what was on the other side. I am retired 1sgt and my statement stands. I have been in charge of teenagers that had more discipline than this particular officer

[@tysonroger4021]

@@michaelsmith8947 You should have been an officer rather than a 1sgt by the way you twist facts, the officer did not burst through any door nor open fire without seeing the firearm. The Deputy knocked on the door, shouted he was law enforcement twice and was greeted with a gun. The way you anti police people keep saying stuff like "he burst through the door" is ridiculous.

[@delo18th]

This same county is responsible for that acorn shooting…

[@MrBubba311]

20 rounds were fired at the handcuffed guy and only one cop resigns. Okaloosa cops are a danger to the community.

[@musiclover4life98]

Yes!! I feel like people/media aren’t speaking on that connection! The incompetence of that Sheriffs dept is not an isolated incident … it’s a pattern!!

[@Sondan1988]

We are prepared to INVESTIGATE OURSELVES !! There are so many videos on youtube showing law enforcement is anything but open and transparent !! Notice how he says what HE wants to say but then runs away and won't answer questions....but he is open and transparent right ?

[@Strongfortress7]

As a mother of an Airman I am disgusted by their incompetence.

[@dr.kevorkian7535]

" Transparency and accountability have been our priorities " 60 second later " no questions ".

[@lacecocoa6272]

😂😂 right such liars

[@flores4074]

Cold blooded, state sponsored murder. Callous disregard for human life.

[@beaversixniner]

💯

[@ElendilSociety]

lol state sponsored murder??? A private citizen called in the disturbance big guy. Who answers the door with a loaded gun in their hand? If it was you in the cops position, I promise you’d have done the same thing. You have no idea what his intentions are, you have no idea what’s going on, but it’s clearly a life threatening situation for the officer, regardless of color…

[@turtletruth]

The majority of United States Marines and patriots defend the Constitution and framework of government yet the police/deputies continue to deprive the rights of its taxpayers void of accountability! Police/deputy egotism, narcissism, disdain, and high-level arrogance toward taxpayers and their families are the primary reasons for Michigan's greatest decline! According to U.S. Census data, 570,000 taxpayers exited the state of Michigan in 2022 reporting the largest Exodus in history ... Taxpayers file suit against bad officers because they want them to feel the same burdens that destroyed their families, jobs, freedom, marriages, and will to survive! Police/deputies are a dangerous habitual problem for taxpayers! - USMC (Semper Fidelis) SGT E-5 (5811)

[@americanhotspur]

How can they come to a resolution if he is already dead?

[@do0zer1976]

That was straight up murder....

[@voiceofjeff]

How convenient. He blathers about transparency, then mentions the victims name clearly, but the deputys name is withheld. He says the deputy didnt cover the peephole, but fails to mention that he stood out of view of the peephole part of the time. He's borderline copsplaining to make his minion look good! Possession of a gun is a constitutional right and as a serviceman, he certainly was permitted to own one, which at no time did he ever point at the cop! Full accountability, Sheriff? Tell us the name of the cop! Explain why the cop is on "paid vacation" (administrative leave) and is at home tonight, but this military hero will never see his family again. Cops are never transparent. This one is already hiding behind his thin blue line, and will certainly claim qualified immunity!

[@latoyahynson5400]

I don't believe nothing that he is saying and why is he reading from a paper... he doesn't care about Roger please give me a break... he is still at home but not in jail.

[@bryanhernandez9253]

Isn’t this the same Sheriffs Office where the deputy claimed he was shot after an acorn fell on his car? Then proceeded to dump an entire mag into his patrol car.

[@stephenmcgraw9466]

Yes. So, you be careful if you should drive through that town. Those acorns are deadly. You have a nice day.

[@savagegamez1674]

They never told him to drop the gun!! They just shot that poor kid.. These cops need to be charged

[@josephblack5948]

He didnt write that speech. Thats for damn sure. He aint sorry for a damn thing as long as his cop is breathing.

[@shaw5240]

He didnt even say anything about the murder

[@jayc9184]

That chief is too much a coward to say that his officers are cowards and should not be ollowed to carry firearms.

[@Tmarc7665]

Sounds kinda fishy. He didn’t want to takes questions? Where is their PR person?

[@laststvnd]

Reading from a script that bares no feelings. The department won't be at fault, and will find every which way to direct the narrative on the tragic loss of the Airman, concluding it was justified. Sad time to be alive in a world of no accountability for our justice system.

[@Spencer481]

Alternative title "Gangster in a uniform says nothing for 1 min 15 seconds"

[@haveongatey3267]

his house , his rule . or are you in north korea

[@Chris-ty8iu]

This guy has blown it. The prior sheriff had 0 incidents like this.

[@ngaming-xh2rx]

He murdered a innocent veteran because he got "scared" you hear that, he was scared, if i killed a innocent veteran beacuse i was scared i can guarantee i would be prosecuted. I hope this officer is prosecuted for his dumb and reckless decision he clearly didnt think about. Never should have had a badge. Tired of police thinking they can do whatever they want, or can justify there actions just beacuse they are police. And then they get a paid leave vacation while a mother is burying her child. Makes me sick, and they wonder why no one trust police.

[@d-funksteryea5188]

He didn’t see an innocent veteran, he saw a black man 🤬

[@Markevans36301]

The second biggest problem besides this being one of the worst Sheriff departments in the country (acorn) is the lack of leadership from the military. Back in the day if this had happened everyone would have been ordered on base by the base CO and the county would go to losing millions not spent there.

[@seankiesling2054]

This all sounds empty, matter of fact. And carefully worded. Dude and his department couldn't give 2 shits... he sure wrapped that shit up quick after reading what someone else probably typed with absolutely 0 empathy. Earning the hate

[@chelseafuller8412]

But who was the female in the parking lot who said “1401?” Because on one thing I heard that the police department had received the report/info and apparently they (the police) entered the wrong apartment. But how did the victims gf call? I am just genuinely curious is all.

[@jeremypointer3392]

How was this an update? It was a different camera angle...

[@PDXLANDBARON]

Law enforcement has to stop training officers like soldiers. The video clearly shows the military training. Just like in my military infantry training the cop clearly used quick target acquisition and attacked perceived threat with 6 rounds. Wrongful death a slam dunk. The asymmetric legal system will make the criminal penalty not justify the crime.

[@ltaylor9878]

This is bs that airman had the right to carry a weapon he was actually ranked higher in life than your local officers. We as black indigenous Americans are sick and tired of these Shenanigans. Being killed by false Karen accusations in your own damn home. If officers are that afraid find another job. Your time is coming as it is written.

[@AmusedPassport-ec1lv]

Takes a deep breath like he is about to say something difficult and important and proceeds to say nothing at all. Asking for patience and forgiveness beforehand, knowing we are going to hate them for how they spend millions of OUR dollars on this. We should be presented with the facts as a people and how much different approaches cost and then WE vote on it. Half the cases would get thrown out immediately

[@randalllakeworth3134]

He jus rambling tryin to not admit one of his employees committed a devastating crime.

[@mr.keepitreal2200]

That was .......it! He didn't say SHIT! WHERE IS THE POLICE VIDEO? DID THEY GO TO THE RIGHT APARTMENT? WHO WERE THEY LOOKING FOR? WHAT WERE THEY LOOKING FOR?

[@edmunddantes7097]

The video is available. They went to the apartment they were directed to. They announced themselves but weren't in front of the door to be seen, though that's common in case someone decides to shoot through the door. The guy answered with his gun down at his side. The cop saw it and fired instantly. The gun was owned legally.

[@pumpy7001]

Literally live just outside this county and I’m equally unsurprised and disgusted. No justice for my people at all.

[@ryanohara7690]

Classic Florida BS

[@asbury25]

There is no patience or understanding. He murdered him.

[@ApolloPerez-gt9ft]

That department is the department that no one wants but it is the one that people get.

[@user-xi8tt9rb2y]

The service didn't extend to a young man who did absolutely nothing to warrant being shot 6 times in the chest while in his home. I don't understand his reasoning in saying keep our family in your prayers in the same sentence as the family of the young man who was shot dead. IMHO it was inappropriate or at the least not the right time.

[@gamergeekenator111]

He Murdered that soldier.

[@pennkeuka]

I don't see this case much different than the one in Memphis where they beat that poor kid to death. This was just straight up murder.

[@willowb1527]

Thank you.

[@samanthaday2374]

The officer knew he would answer the door this way. The kid in the lobby set it up. Wrong door nothing and let me guess when the officer went to the right door no one was there? 💔

[@alienrockinheadd8969]

Most likely they will defend the murder we all know the song and dance.

[@turtletruth]

You can't possibly be an honest taxpayer, love freedom, God, and the Constitution, and still support the "UNREGULATED BLUE"! (It's Anti-Constitutional Hypocrisy) ... Oppressive police are seldom held accountable for their crimes against taxpayers... (This is the problem!) - USMC (Semper Fidelis) SGT E-5 (5811)

[@Ash-xl7wx]

You guys are all responsible for this young man's death. He hasn't done anything bad to you except serving the same country you guys are serving and loving his family. And you guys took him away from his family, and that's not fair at all. If this situation would happened to you like one of your family members got killed and no justice for it, you'll feel the rage and sadness that Rodger's family is right now. The whole world is watching, and you better not cover each other a****. Take some responsibility.

[@larslarsheim1741]

Coverup is well underway..if he had an acorn in his pocket he'd have been fine

[@jamesburger1127]

"Thoughts and prayers" is how you know the cop is going to get away with it. This sheriff is a disgrace along with his entire department. Typical Florida justice.

[@docpatchzorro6273]

Not only was the offending Deputy pretty brain dead but this sheriff is as bad .He would not be out of place in one of those 70's Canon Ball Run movies .

[@killerseabeenmcb18]

Don’t u guys worry there going to investigate themselves and find no wrongdoing

[@jacobtaylor7506]

Every military personnel, dont live off post. Cause when you dealing with a cop, just know their training is a degree and summer camp.

[@matt34003434]

What kind of clowns are you hiring down there Sheriff?

[@stephenmcgraw9466]

This was a piss poor briefing. What was the original compliant? Was the police officer at the right home? Why was the police officer knocking on the door so aggressively? If I didn't call the police and someone was knocking on my door in this manner. I would have my weapon. No. This police officers' behavior is quite questionable. This young man was in his home. He has a right to have a weapon. Unfortunately, in America. When the police deal with black Americans. These police officers are extremely aggressive. After George Floyd the police have lost all credibility.

[@QCutube]

But did u hear that acorn that dropped 1st?

[@user-kc2zf3gx2c]

Thoughts and prayers for your family ??!! What a joke.. your personel killed a kid .. and you ask for prayers for yourself ?? Waoowwwwww

[@allenpenix2266]

Cops investigating cops, I'm sure they aren't biased

[@samuell7726]

Tyrants in green

[@randalllakeworth3134]

He jus ramblin tryin to not admit one his employes commited a devasting crime to one of our brave.

[@pamlombardi9528]

All cops are scared everyone of them with the way our society is now a days. He should have waited for backup instead of going it alone. I can’t blame him in one way. But do in others it’s sad how fast mistakes can happen and lives are changed forever

[@SuperDarkrock]

Just quit Aden, enough is enough, there are no "facts" to gather.

[@cstar1931]

Dam why even answ3r the door with gun in hand but the officer was already heightened from his tone etc. and dam say drop your gun and we're minorities u know whites down south as up north be nervous which is Facts so why give them that play. Unfortunately the department just haft to pay out as usual but no award for the sheriff and why not give his name transparency? Release his name. But pay out as usual. And if he resigned he be hired at another Florida department. Release his name

[@zacharyolds1639]

Are these the same acorn cops brothers

[@Kooya813]

Accountability must be held. Lmao remember "our" family. Pathetic

[@user-xi8tt9rb2y]

Please don't make anymore statements, and if no one told you the entirety of your statement was a this is not about race speech. Thank God for the camera or we'd be hearing only God knows what. However, a picture says 1000 words, no need for self serving public statements.

[@timmyblock6785]

Acorn sounds like gunshots

[@ProSeDefence]

you see what he said : the officier annouced himself the victom new it was law enforcment

[@jurgenblick5491]

Bullcrap!

[@alhara4843]

This is a terrible loss and unfortunate but when you see the camera footage, the deputy announced his presence several times while strongly knocking on the door. The gravest mistake is that you don’t open the door holding a gun. The deputy reacted instinctively and caused the tragedy

[@Blgtn43]

Many in the Air Force have poor hearing due to working on the Flight line.

[@Blgtn43]

Judge Dredd.

[@reallywontsufferfools1620]

trust me watching from afar, you have more danger being killed by a cop with a gun , than a criminal with a gun if your a law abiding citizen.

[@ngaming-xh2rx]

Trash

[@JimJWalker]

I thought officer safety was the number one priority? What changed?

[@kmc1steelers998]

innocent lives. Military men who fight for their country safety is VERY IMPORTANT

[@Stark.......]

You shoud have some Shame.

[@christophermallory8741]

I’m so sorry to say this but the guy was in the wrong why would you answer the door with a gun in your hand he must of let the air force fooled him into thinking that he was a American hero reality check ninja

[@wakeupusa7839]

Why don't you do a little investigation first before opening your ignorant bootlicker mouth.

[@user-qn9hf1md6c]

What a lier

[@joshuarussell2020]

Pro Law Enforcement here, but this was a bad shooting. Someone knocks on door, NO Announcement of a LEO for about X amount of time. Then knocks again announcing it's a LEO. My spidey senses would be on full alert as to the validity of that Announcement. Then the Airman opens door, firearm pointed towards floor, yet LEO draws and fires at the VICTIM? Bad SHOOT/event from beginning to the horrific/tragic end! 👎🧐 RIP Airman. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🫡🫡🇺🇲🇺🇲