Police Shooting Victim Charles Kinsey, in His Own Words

When mental health therapist Charles Kinsey was shot by police in July 2016 while trying to help a client who had autism, the incident made headlines across the country. Kinsey was unarmed and compliant during the encounter, lying on the ground with his hands in the air, yet he was still shot. The story angered many, including Holly.

Holly reached out to Kinsey and invited him to participate in a panel discussion on autism and policing, focused on finding solutions and ways to protect others in the community. Kinsey agreed and stopped by Holly's home the day before the panel to share his story with the Peete boys—particularly R.J., who was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

Here, Charles Kinsey recounts the incident in great detail from beginning to end, in his own words.

Extended Clips from the Panel Discussion
• A shooting victim's relative on the role of racism in police shootings
• Do police have issues with disrespect? A former officer weighs in
• Former officers reveal the inner workings of typical police departments
• Preventing police shootings: 9 ways everyone can help