Tou Thao Sentenced in George Floyd’s Death
A significant chapter in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder closed recently as former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao received his state sentence. In a decision handed down by Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill, Thao was sentenced for aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, marking another step in the legal accountability process for the officers involved in the tragic incident that unfolded on our city’s streets.
A Recap of Thao’s Role and the Verdict
Tou Thao served as a perimeter officer during the May 2020 incident, holding back a crowd of concerned bystanders while Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes. Thao did not physically restrain Floyd, but his inaction in intervening to stop Chauvin, coupled with his role in managing the crowd, was central to the prosecution’s case. He was found guilty by Judge Cahill in May of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter, opting for a stipulated facts trial where the judge made the verdict based on presented evidence rather than a jury.
The Sentencing Details for Minneapolis
Judge Cahill sentenced Thao to 4 years and 9 months (57 months) in prison. This sentence runs concurrently with his prior federal sentence of 3.5 years for violating Floyd’s civil rights. Thao, who appeared virtually, maintained his position, stating he believed the officers were acting appropriately at the time. The judge noted Thao’s lack of remorse and his unique position to observe Chauvin’s actions and the growing distress of both Floyd and the bystanders. The sentence falls within Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines for his crimes, reflecting the severity of the offense and Thao’s role in failing to provide medical aid or intervene.
Comparing Officer Outcomes (State Charges for Aiding & Abetting)
| Officer | Primary Role | State Charge (A&A Manslaughter) | State Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tou Thao | Perimeter control, held back bystanders | Aiding and Abetting 2nd-Degree Manslaughter | 4 years, 9 months |
| J. Alexander Kueng | Knelt on George Floyd’s back | Aiding and Abetting 2nd-Degree Manslaughter | 3 years, 6 months |
| Thomas Lane | Held George Floyd’s legs | Aiding and Abetting 2nd-Degree Manslaughter | 3 years |
Broader Implications for Our Community
This sentencing brings a measure of finality to the state-level prosecutions related to George Floyd’s death. For many in Minneapolis and beyond, the legal proceedings have been a long, arduous journey. Thao’s sentence, along with those of Kueng and Lane, underscores the legal system’s recognition that all officers present had a duty to intervene and provide care. The outcomes reinforce the critical importance of police accountability and the responsibilities inherent in public service. It also highlights the different degrees of culpability assigned to the officers based on their specific actions and inactions.
What This Means Moving Forward
While the state sentences are largely concluded, the federal sentences for all involved officers remain. Thao is already serving his federal term, and his state sentence will run concurrently, meaning his time in prison won’t be extended beyond what the federal court decided. For Minneapolis, this closure in the legal process allows more focus to shift towards police reform efforts, community-led initiatives, and addressing the systemic issues that the tragedy brought to light. The city continues its work on consent decrees and fostering better police-community relations, with the memory of George Floyd serving as a persistent reminder of the need for ongoing change.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Tou Thao’s specific charge for this sentencing?
Tou Thao was sentenced for aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in George Floyd’s death. - How long is Tou Thao’s state prison sentence?
He received a sentence of 4 years and 9 months (57 months) from Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill. - Does this state sentence add to his federal sentence?
No, the state sentence will run concurrently with his existing federal sentence of 3.5 years for violating George Floyd’s civil rights. This means he won’t serve additional time beyond his federal term due to this new state sentence. - Why was Thao’s sentence longer than Kueng’s or Lane’s?
Judge Cahill cited Thao’s lack of remorse, his unique position to observe Chauvin’s actions, and his training, which should have prompted him to intervene, as factors in determining his sentence. - What does “aiding and abetting” mean in this context?
In this case, it refers to Thao’s actions (or lack thereof) in assisting Derek Chauvin’s fatal restraint of George Floyd, specifically by preventing bystanders from intervening and failing to provide medical aid himself.
As our community reflects on these legal outcomes, the imperative remains to continue fostering transparent policing and strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the people of Minneapolis.
Tou Thao sentenced for aiding George Floyd death
