US airman shot dead after police officer stormed into wrong apartment

The officer, who was apparently alone at the time of the raid, then calls for additional assistance on his police radio.

Mr. Forston, who worked for the special forces unit at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base in Florida, later died of his injuries.

His mother, Chantemekki Fortson, held a framed portrait of her late son in military uniform before speaking at a news conference on Thursday.

“My baby was shot,” she said.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, said: “For some reason they thought he was a bad guy, but he was a good guy. “He was a great guy. He was an extraordinary guy. They took away a patriot from us.”

He “was the best America had to offer,” he added. “He fought for our way of life. He fought for everyone.”

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said his department was “saddened” by the shooting. “At this time, we humbly ask our community for patience as we work to understand the facts that led to this tragic event,” he said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said it was investigating the shooting.