Who gets to claim self-defense in shootings? Airman’s death sparks debate over race and gun rights

For the past decade, “Stand Your Ground” laws have been invoked time and time again by gun owners who claim self-defense after carrying out shootings. Critics have denounced them as “shoot first” laws that have created a climate of vigilantism in which gun owners operate with impunity in killing largely Black people. The concept resurfaced again last week following the killing of Senior Airman Roger Fortson in Florida, but the dynamics were different.

Sheriff’s officials say the deputy, whose name and race haven’t been released, acted in self-defense. Body cam footage shows the deputy banged on Fortson’s door, paused, then knocked again, yelling that he’s from the sheriff’s office. Fortson eventually answered the door while holding what appeared to be a gun by his side, pointed at the ground. Within a few seconds, the deputy shoots Fortson six times, only then yelling for him to drop his weapon.

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