Target: Rick Swearingen, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Goal: Support the prosecution of police officer who shot an unarmed therapist trying to help his autistic patient.
Officer Jonathan Aledda allegedly shot and wounded a behavioral therapist who was trying to help a patient with autism return to a group home, and the officer is now facing attempted manslaughter and negligence charges. The therapist, Charles Kinsey, was unarmed and lying on the ground next to his patient with his hands in the air at the time when Officer Aledda shot him. Thanks to petitions like this one, something has finally been done.
An inquiry was undertaken by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Although officers were initially called to the scene under the impression that Kinsey’s patient was armed, officers determined over the radio that there was, in fact, no gun, and that the autistic man was simply holding a toy truck. Kinsey made this doubly clear when he lay down on the ground with his hands up, but according to a police union official, Aledda was still concerned for Kinsey’s life, and when he took the shot at Kinsey’s patient, he missed and hit the therapist instead.
Aledda now faces a felony charge of second-degree attempted manslaughter, and a misdemeanor charge of culpable negligence. Sign below to support the steps taken to hold this officer responsible for his alleged actions.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Commissioner Swearingen,
The arrest of the officer who reportedly shot an unarmed behavioral therapist is a necessary action in requiring accountability for such irresponsible and dangerous behavior. Therapist Charles Kinsey was trying to help his autistic patient when he was allegedly shot, and when he asked Officer Aledda why he shot him, Aledda’s answer was, “I don’t know.”
This is unacceptable for a member of the police force, who swore to protect and serve and who should be able to interact safely with unarmed individuals. I support the charges brought against Officer Aledda, who must take responsibility for his actions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Keter Magick
