Minneapolis Officer Who Kneeled On George Floyd’s Back Sentenced To 3.5 Years In Prison

Topline

Former Minneapolis police officer J. Alexander Kueng, who kneeled on George Floyd’s back as then-Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck, was sentenced Friday to three-and-a-half years in state prison on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, according to multiple outlets, more than two years after Floyd’s death.

Key Facts

Kueng pleaded guilty in October to a state count of aiding and abetting second-degree murder in exchange for a charge of aiding and abetting murder being dropped, according to the Associated Press.

Kueng’s sentencing adds to the 36 months he is serving due to a federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights by not providing him with medical aid or intervening Chauvin from kneeling on his neck.

Tou Khao, who is serving a 42-month federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights, rejected a similar plea deal and waived his right to a jury trial, according to Minneapolis Public Radio, leaving a possible 48-month sentence in the hands of Judge Peter Cahill.

Thomas Lane was sentenced last month on state charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder, according to The Washington Post, adding a three-year sentence to the two-and-a-half-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights he’s currently serving.

Crucial Quote

“The sentencing of Alexander Kueng for his role in the murder of George Floyd delivers yet another piece of justice for the Floyd family,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Floyd’s family, said in a statement.

What To Watch For

After rejecting a plea deal in October, Khao waived his right to a jury trial in favor of a bench trial—giving a state judge 90 days to determine a verdict instead of a jury. Under state law Cahill must decide on a verdict by February 15, 2023.

Key Background

Kueng was one of four officers who attempted to take Floyd into custody outside a Minneapolis grocery store in May 2020 on suspicion that he used a fake $20 bill to buy cigarettes. Chauvin, who was sentenced to 22-and-a-half years for murdering Floyd, kneeled on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes as Keung, who kneeled on Floyd’s back, and officers Thomas Lane and Tou Khao looked on. Both Lane and Khao have received federal sentences of 30 months and 28 months, respectively, for depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights.

Further Reading

Ex-Cop Who Kneeled On George Floyd’s Back Gets 3.5-Year Term (AP)

2 Former Minneapolis Police Officers Sentenced To Combined 6.5 Years For Violating George Floyd’s Federal Civil Rights (Forbes)