On May 25, 2020, George Floyd died after Minneapolis officers restrained him face-down on the street. A video recorded by witnesses showed officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck while other officers—Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane—assisted in restraining him. Bystander recordings and subsequent investigations drew global attention to police use of force and procedural failures. The following details describe the roles, charges, trials, convictions, and current custody status of the officers, based on court records and official filings.
Derek Chauvin: role, charges, and conviction
Initial response and restraint method
Chauvin, a Minneapolis Police Department officer with prior complaints on his record, arrived on scene and pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for an extended period while Floyd was handcuffed and pinned prone. Medical examiners and expert testimony identified this as a positional asphyxia mechanism and a substantial factor in Floyd’s death. Chauvin’s initial bail was set high given the severity of the allegations and graphic video evidence.
Chauvin trial and convictions
At trial, prosecutors presented body-worn and bystander video, 911 calls, and medical testimony. Chauvin was convicted on second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. The jury’s verdicts reflected that his actions were inherently dangerous and created an unreasonable risk, even if he did not intend to kill.
Chauvin sentencing and imprisonment
Chauvin received a 22.5-year state sentence for second-degree murder, to be served concurrently with a 20-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights. Court filings note that good-time credits can reduce time served. He is currently confined in a federal facility, with ongoing appeals addressing sentencing and legal arguments.
Tou Thao: role, charges, and status
Covering the scene and restraining Floyd
Thao, also a Minneapolis officer, helped restrain Floyd’s torso and legs while Chauvin restrained his upper body. Testimony indicated Thao was aware of Floyd’s distress but continued to follow orders and maintain control. He faced state charges for aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter.