Roosevelt "Kent" Benjamin, a 59-year-old longtime employee of the U.S. Postal Service, was fatally shot on May 18, 2024, in Fort Pierce, Florida. Benjamin, who had worked for the Postal Service for over 30 years, was described by his daughter, Tonia Thomason, as the "definition of a girl dad" who provided for his four daughters and nine grandchildren despite being deaf. He had been married to his wife since they met in middle school, and she was primarily a stay-at-home wife.
The incident occurred when police responded to reports of gunshots and found Benjamin among four gunshot victims. Three of the four victims, including Benjamin, died. In addition to Benjamin, police identified a 28-year-old man named Bernard Smith, who was killed in a shootout with officers. The names of the other victims and the details of who shot them have not been released by the police.
Thomason believed that her father's death was likely caused by a man trying to enter their home, as evidenced by camera footage from a Ring doorbell camera showing a man attempting to get into the house through a side door. She speculated that if her father could have heard the gunshots, he might have locked the door and avoided the confrontation.
The community and Benjamin's family were deeply affected by his death. A procession of U.S. Postal Service vehicles was held to honor his life, reflecting the respect and admiration he earned from his coworkers and the community. Benjamin's family, including his wife and daughters, are grieving the loss of a man who was a cornerstone of their lives.
The investigation into the shootings is ongoing, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement handling the officer-involved shooting and the Fort Pierce Police Department investigating the other two deaths. The incident has left a significant impact on the family and community, highlighting the tragic consequences of gun violence.
