Three Additional Officers Involved in the Death of George Floyd Arrested, Facing Charges
In addition to Derek Chauvin former police officers officers J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao now face charges in the death of George Floyd.
Mugshots (from left to right) of former Minneapolis Police Officers Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. [Hennepin County Jail/Associated Press]
As reported by The Washington Post three additional officers were taken into custody last night related to the death of George Floyd.
Officers Tou Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane face charges of felony aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Former officer Derek Chauvin, who was filmed restraining Mr. Floyd with his knee on his neck, leading to his death, had originally been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence. The Star Tribune reports that as of yesterday Chauvin now faces the more serious charge of second-degree murder.
All former officers face a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charges.
The prospect of convicting former police officers of murder, historically, is not very encouraging for the prosecution, however Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated “George Floyd mattered. He was loved. His family was important. His life had value. We will seek justice for him and for you, and we will find it.”
Read more: The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Star Tribune, CrimeFeed