Thomas Lane released from federal prison in George Floyd case
Lane served time for civil rights violation in Floyd's death, now released
![Ex-officer Thomas Lane released from federal prison in George Floyd case](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ex-officer-Thomas-Lane-released-from-federal-prison-in-George-Floyd-case.jpg)
Thomas Lane, one of the four ex-police officers from Minneapolis convicted in George Floyd’s death, was released from federal prison on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Lane, 41, was convicted in 2022 for infringing Floyd’s civil rights during the fatal restraint on May 25, 2020. Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was handcuffed and held on his stomach for over nine minutes, repeatedly stating, “I can’t breathe.”
As a rookie officer on his fourth day, Lane held Floyd’s legs during the arrest. Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck and back, while J. Alexander Kueng restrained Floyd’s torso. Tou Thao kept onlookers at bay.
Poor guy. I wish Thomas Lane gets back all the opportunities and joys he has lost during this misfortune. Pray he gets 200% better and greater things in his life. Love, health and prosperity to him. https://t.co/mcniT6sO4v
— Rosanna Moquete (@rosanna_moquete) August 20, 2024
In July 2022, Lane received a two-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence. Later that year, he was sentenced to three years for aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, after pleading guilty to the state charge.
Initially, Lane faced a charge of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder, which was dropped as part of a plea agreement, according to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office.
Both state and defense attorneys had recommended a 36-month sentence.
Lane served his concurrent sentences at Englewood prison in Colorado, a low-security federal facility near Denver with roughly 1,000 inmates.
“He has a two-year term of supervision imposed through the District of Minnesota,” stated Randilee Giamusso, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, on Tuesday.
Lane’s attorney has not responded to requests for comment.
All four former officers were convicted on state and federal charges related to Floyd’s death.
Chauvin was convicted in April 2021 of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison. The US Supreme Court rejected his appeal in November 2023.
Chauvin later pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights and received a 21-year sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence. After being stabbed in an Arizona prison last November, he was transferred to Big Spring federal prison in Texas.
A federal jury found Kueng and Thao guilty of violating Floyd’s civil rights, sentencing them to three years and three and a half years, respectively.
In December 2022, Kueng pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. Thao received a nearly five-year sentence in August 2023 for the same state charges.
Other Perspective
- Police1 reports that Thomas Lane, a former Minneapolis police officer, has completed his federal prison sentence for violating George Floyd’s civil rights.(read more)
- WDIO reports on the release of Thomas Lane, a former Minneapolis police officer convicted in George Floyd’s murder, after completing his state and federal sentences.(read more)
- Star Tribune reports that Thomas Lane, one of the former Minneapolis police officers convicted in the killing of George Floyd, has been released from prison.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Thomas Lane released from federal prison?
Lane completed his federal sentence for violating George Floyd’s civil rights.
What was Thomas Lane convicted of?
Lane was convicted of violating George Floyd’s civil rights and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
How long was Thomas Lane’s federal prison sentence?
Lane’s federal prison sentence was two and a half years.
Where did Thomas Lane serve his prison sentence?
Lane served his sentence at Englewood prison in Colorado.
What are the sentences for the other officers involved in George Floyd’s death?
Chauvin: 22.5 years, Kueng: 3 years, Thao: 3.5 years, all for varying charges related to Floyd’s death.