Aaron Rozier and Roger Fortson, both Air Force members stationed at Hurlburt Field Air Force base in Florida, bonded over their shared Georgia roots and became like brothers. When Rozier learned that Fortson had been shot and killed by a deputy from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, he was devastated. The body camera video released by the sheriff’s office showed Fortson being shot by a deputy at his off-base apartment, despite him holding a legally owned handgun pointed downward. Rozier described Fortson as charismatic and wise, someone who always spoke the truth and made others laugh, lovingly remembering him as a close friend who would raid his refrigerator.
Charles Johnson, another airman who met Fortson through Rozier, described Fortson as fun-loving, goofy, and a great friend, always the life of the party. They communicated daily in a group chat and enjoyed playing video games together. Johnson and Rozier believe that Fortson’s killing was unjustified and racially motivated, as he was Black. They feel that the deputy who shot Fortson only saw his skin color and the firearm he had in his hand, allowing his own biases to influence his actions. Fortson’s family also raised questions about the lack of verbal commands from the deputy before shooting and the failure to provide any life-saving measures afterwards.
Rozier, who has undergone rigorous training as a security forces member, emphasized the importance of meeting specific preconditions before drawing a weapon, including assessing the capability, opportunity, and intent of the individual in question. He believes that the same standards should apply to law enforcement officers, and expects the deputy who shot Fortson to be held accountable for his actions. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave, and an investigation is being conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida State Attorney’s Office. While the sheriff’s office initially claimed the deputy acted in self-defense, Fortson’s friends and family disagree, pointing out that he posed no imminent threat as his gun was pointed downward.
In the months leading up to his death, Fortson had spoken about his plans to be medically discharged from the Air Force due to an injury he sustained while serving overseas. He had dreams of enrolling in nursing school and starting a new life in Houston. His friends remember him as a kind-hearted and ambitious individual who had a bright future ahead of him. Despite his untimely death, Fortson’s memory lives on through the love and respect of those who knew him best. They are seeking justice for him and hoping that his tragic death will shed light on the ongoing issues of racial bias and police violence in their community and beyond.
