More than three months following the fatal shooting of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson by a Florida sheriff’s deputy, the airman’s family and their lawyer are pressing for a decision from prosecutors regarding potential charges against the former deputy. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump expressed concerns at a news conference on Friday about the lengthy investigation process, emphasizing that the incident was recorded on the deputy’s body camera.

Crump highlighted the significance of swift action in cases involving Black individuals in America, suggesting that delays in investigations may indicate an attempt to conceal the truth. He pointed out the existence of video evidence depicting the shooting, stating that there is no ambiguity about what occurred.

The incident occurred on May 3 when Deputy Eddie Duran of the Okaloosa County sheriff’s department fatally shot 23-year-old Fortson in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Body camera footage revealed that Fortson, holding a handgun pointed towards the ground, was shot within moments of opening his apartment door.

Sheriff Eric Aden terminated Duran, asserting that the former deputy’s life was not in jeopardy and that discharging his weapon was unjustified. An internal investigation by the sheriff’s office concluded that Fortson did not display any threatening behavior, rendering the use of deadly force by the deputy unreasonable.

Crump disclosed that authorities have indicated a decision on potential charges will be made on August 23. He urged supporters assembled at the news conference to mark the date, which was reportedly shared by a high-ranking official in the state attorney’s office. State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden and her staff did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Originally from the metro Atlanta area, Fortson was stationed at Hurlburt Field in the Florida Panhandle. His funeral in May drew hundreds of Air Force members in uniform paying their respects to the fallen airman. The family and their legal team are now advocating for accountability, urging the state attorney’s office to pursue charges against the former deputy.

Addressing the state attorney directly, Crump emphasized that all necessary information is available for a decision to be made regarding potential charges and questioned whether action would be taken.