Former Minneapolis Police Officer Tou Thao Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Role in George Floyd’s Death

Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao was sentenced to 57 months in prison on Monday for his role in the death of George Floyd. Thao had been convicted in state court for his part in the incident, which occurred on May 25, 2020.

Thao testified that he had acted as a “human traffic cone” when he held back bystanders who had gathered to witness former Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, kneeling on Floyd’s neck for 9 1/2 minutes while the Black man pleaded for his life.

Floyd’s death sparked protests around the world and brought about a national conversation about police brutality and racism. A bystander video captured Floyd’s cries of “I can’t breathe” as he was being restrained.

Judge Peter Cahill approved a Minneapolis police reform deal that was forged after Floyd’s death. The agreement requires the Minneapolis Police Department to implement a series of changes, including a ban on neck restraints and chokeholds, and the creation of a new Office of Police Conduct Review.

Tou Thao’s sentencing brings to a close the state court proceedings related to George Floyd’s death. The former police officer will now serve his 57-month sentence.