Shooting of Linden Cameron

Salt Lake County Utah incorporated and unincorporated areas Salt Lake City highlighted

Shooting of Linden Cameron

The shooting of Linden Cameron occurred on September 4, 2020, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Linden Cameron, a 13-year-old boy with Asperger syndrome, was shot by a police officer after his mother called 911 seeking assistance for a mental health crisis.

Background

Linden Cameron was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum. On the day of the incident, Cameron was experiencing a mental health crisis, and his mother, Golda Barton, called 911 for help. She informed the dispatcher about her son's condition and requested a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to handle the situation.

Incident

When officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department arrived at the scene, they encountered Cameron, who was reportedly unarmed. According to the police, Cameron attempted to flee, and during the pursuit, an officer shot him multiple times. Cameron sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized.

Aftermath

The shooting of Linden Cameron sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the handling of mental health crises by law enforcement. The incident led to protests and calls for police reform, particularly in the context of interactions with individuals with mental health issues.

Investigation

An investigation into the shooting was launched by the Salt Lake City Police Department and the Utah Department of Public Safety. The officer involved was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Reactions

The shooting drew significant media attention and prompted responses from various advocacy groups, including those focused on autism and mental health. The incident highlighted the need for better training for police officers in dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises.

See also

• Police reform in the United States
• Mental health crisis intervention
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Use of force by police