Minnesota judge declared Tou Thao, one of the police officers involved in George Floyd’s death, guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter.
Thao’s conviction marks the end of state and federal cases against the four officers involved in the tragic incident that led to widespread protests globally.
The officers, including Thao, faced various charges. In April 2021, Derek Chauvin was convicted of state murder charges for his role in Floyd’s death. Thomas Lane was convicted in September 2022 on a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. In October 2022, J Alexander Kueng pleaded guilty to the same state charge.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called Thao’s conviction “historic and correct.” However, he emphasized that while the prosecution of Floyd’s murder has concluded, the pursuit of justice in law enforcement is far from over. Ellison urged prosecutors, law enforcement leaders, officers, elected officials, and the community to continue working towards achieving true justice.
During the fatal incident in May 2020, Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for an extended period, leading to his death. Meanwhile, two other officers restrained Floyd, and Thao fended off bystanders, preventing them from intervening.
In his 177-page verdict, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill wrote that Thao “actively encouraged his three colleagues’ dangerous, prone restraint” of Floyd. The judge also noted that Thao had consciously decided to participate in Floyd’s death by restraining concerned bystanders and preventing an off-duty firefighter from providing crucial medical assistance.
Thao waived his right to a jury trial in the Minnesota case, having Judge Cahill decide the verdict. He also relinquished his right to testify and cross-examine witnesses.
