In a tragic incident near an Air Force base in the Florida panhandle, Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, from the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, was shot and killed by a deputy on Friday. The deputy has been placed on leave, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

According to a press release from the base, the shooting occurred during an incident at Fortson's off-base residence, leading to gunfire. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office reported that a disturbance in progress led them to respond to an apartment located approximately 10 miles outside of Hurlburt Field.

The shooting took place after the deputy made contact with an armed individual at the apartment. The sheriff's office stated that upon encountering the 23-year-old armed man, the deputy, who had identified himself as law enforcement, reacted in self-defense. The exact details of the disturbance that prompted the deputies' visit were not disclosed.

Fortson was immediately transported to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. Thankfully, no officers were harmed during the incident. The deputy involved in the shooting has not been identified in the news release; however, he has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of both an investigation and administrative review.

This incident comes at a time when the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office drew criticism after a deputy resigned last year, following an internal investigation into the officer firing his weapon multiple times at a detained suspect. The deputy had mistakenly believed a sound of an acorn hitting his patrol vehicle roof was gunfire.

Senior Airman Roger Fortson, originally from the 4th Special Operations Squadron, joined the Air Force on November 19, 2019, as an AC-130J gunner. Hurlburt Field expressed its condolences to Fortson's family and emphasized that their priorities are providing casualty affairs services to the family, supporting the squadron during this tragic time, and ensuring resources for all those impacted.

In a separate and unrelated event, another tragedy struck the military community as First Lt. Brandon Keyon Moultrie, stationed at Fort Wainwright, was shot and killed outside a bar in Fairbanks, Alaska. Moultrie, an innocent bystander, was struck in the head during a fight, and his death has triggered arrests of two individuals connected to the incident.

These back-to-back incidents serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by service members both on and off duty. The authorities are working diligently to investigate both cases thoroughly, ensuring justice for the fallen and their families.

As the investigations proceed, Hurlburt Field stated that no further information will be released at this time, in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The 1st Special Operations Wing, the parent unit of the 4th Special Operations Squadron, continues to provide support to those affected by these tragic events.