WATCH: Bodycam video shows Okaloosa County deputy shoot, kill Air Force Airman

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office released bodycam video Thursday showing the fatal officer-involved shooting of 23-year-old Air Force Airman Roger Fortson.

The shooting happened last Friday afternoon at Fortson's apartment complex on Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach.

In a previous press release, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said a deputy acted in self-defense after hearing sounds of a disturbance inside Fortson's apartment and encountering him armed with a gun.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden held a press conference Thursday afternoon to address the incident and release the video. This came after Attorney Ben Crump and Fortson's family held a press conference Thursday morning in Fort Walton Beach.

"We are aware of a press release and other comments that falsely state our deputy entered the wrong apartment and imply that they burst through the door into Mr. Fortson's residence," Sheriff Aden said. "The statements are inaccurate as shown on the video."

Sheriff Aden then explained some details of the video.

"What we do know at this time is that the deputy did announce himself not once but twice," Sheriff Aden said. "Mr. Fortson's comments indicate that he did acknowledge it was law enforcement at the door and he arrived at the door with a firearm in his hand. The deputy knocked on the correct door, he did not cover the peep hole or otherwise obscure its view in any way. Again, I don't share this information to pass judgment. We simply want to assure the community of what is known at this time for the safety of our deputies and for the community."

The FDLE and State Attorney's Office are each conducting investigations into the incident. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave, as per standard protocol for officer-involved shootings.

"There are many questions the investigation must answer before we can determine whether the officer's actions were justified," Aden said before later stating, "I told Mr. Fortson's family this afternoon that they have my word that if this shooting is found to be unjustified, their son's will name will be fully vindicated and justice will be served."

https://weartv.com/news/local/bodycam-video-shows-okaloosa-county-deputy-shoot-kill-air-force-airman

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