Funeral plans announced for US airman shot by Florida deputy – WSB-TV Channel 2

Channel 2’s Audrey Washington was live on WSB tonight at 11 p.m at New Birth Cathedral in DeKalb County, where burial will take place.

“We are doing what we can to ensure the facts of this case are fully understood,” Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said.

The sheriff said the deputy responded to a disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment complex.

In the video, only a second passed before the deputy shot Fortson after he opened his door. You can also see Fortson holding a gun pointed at the ground.

Fortson’s family and attorney Benjamin Crump said Fortson legally owned the gun and used it to open his front door because he heard a loud bang.

“He was trained to use a firearm. He’s a military-trained officer,” Crump said.

“I am absolutely horrified,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Cathedral.

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Pastor Bryant told Washington that Fortson’s mother was a member of the church. He said he actually played a recording of Fortson’s call to his girlfriend shortly before the shooting.

When asked what he heard on the recording, Bryant responded with the following.

“He knocks on the door…he opens the door because he’s a trained military man. When they first knocked, they didn’t identify themselves,” Bryant said.

Bryant said Fortson’s memorial service will be held next Friday in New Birth … while the investigation into the fatal shooting continues.

“I just ask that the family in the greater Atlanta area just stay in their prayers,” Bryant said.

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