Former Officer Sentenced for Aiding and Abetting Manslaughter in George Floyd Case

Former Officer Sentenced for Aiding and Abetting Manslaughter in George Floyd Case

In a Minnesota courthouse on Monday, Tou Thao, a former officer present during George Floyd’s fatal arrest in May 2020, was handed a prison sentence of four years and nine months for aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. Prior to his sentencing, Thao delivered a brief statement acknowledging his role in Floyd’s death, expressing that he never intended any malice or harm. However, Judge Peter A. Cahill, presiding over the case, expressed disappointment in Thao’s lack of remorse and excessive sermonization.

Judge Cahill addressed Thao, highlighting his position as a senior officer who should have taken actions to save George Floyd. While acknowledging that Thao’s culpability was less than that of Derek Chauvin, who was also involved in the incident, the judge believed a sentence at the higher end of the range was appropriate for Thao.

Thao, displaying no visible reaction, responded to the sentence with a simple “No, God bless you sir” when asked if he had any questions. He was credited for the 340 days he had already served. With this sentencing, all four former officers involved in Floyd’s death have now faced both state and federal trials.

During the fatal arrest, Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck and back for over nine minutes, while Lane held down his legs, Kueng restrained his torso, and Thao kept a crowd of upset bystanders at bay. Despite Floyd’s pleas for air and his mother, Thao made mocking references to Floyd’s drug use and prevented bystander intervention.

Aside from this conviction, Thao is already serving a concurrent 3 1/2-year sentence for his federal conviction on charges related to violating Floyd’s civil rights during the arrest. The guilty verdict in the state trial, based on stipulated evidence, sealed the fate of all four officers, ensuring they were held accountable for their actions.

Calls made to Thao’s attorney and lawyers representing the Floyd family are yet to be returned.

The tragic event of Floyd’s death has led to significant changes in Minneapolis, prompting reforms within the police force to address issues of race-based policing, as stated by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The city of Minneapolis has also settled a lawsuit in connection with the incident.

In conclusion, Tou Thao’s sentencing brings another chapter to a close in the George Floyd case. The verdict ensures that those responsible for the fatal restraint have faced the consequences of their actions. As Minneapolis continues to evolve, the changes introduced seek to prevent similar incidents and foster a safer and more inclusive community for all.