Tou Thao release marks end of federal prison sentence
*Wow! We hate to say it, but former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao is scheduled to be released from federal custody this coming Monday, November 3. He has served nearly five and a half years for his role in the 2020 death of George Floyd. Thao was housed at a Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, during his incarceration.
His time served covers both his federal and state sentences, which ran concurrently. Thao will now enter a period of supervised release, though the specific terms have not been disclosed by officials.
What Tou Thao did during George Floyd’s final moments
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed during an arrest by Minneapolis police officers. Thao stood by as Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes. Instead of helping, Thao kept bystanders at bay and ignored Floyd’s visible medical distress.
Prosecutors described Thao’s behavior as “deliberate indifference” to Floyd’s suffering. His lack of action played a significant role in the federal civil rights case that followed.
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Tou Thao’s federal and state convictions explained
In 2022, Thao was found guilty of violating George Floyd’s civil rights under color of law. He received a federal sentence of three years and eight months for this conviction.
Then in 2023, a state court found him guilty of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to four years and nine months, served at the same time as the federal sentence.
Other officers in the George Floyd case: Where are they now?
Thao is the third of four officers convicted in the George Floyd case to be released. The only one still in prison is Derek Chauvin, who was the lead officer and received the longest sentence.
Here’s where the other officers stand:
- Derek Chauvin: Serving 21-year federal sentence; eligible for release around 2037.
- Thomas Lane: Released in August 2024; completed supervised release in August 2025.
- J. Alexander Kueng: Released in January 2025; under supervised release until March 2026.
Public reaction to Tou Thao release and sentencing
Thao’s upcoming release has sparked renewed conversations about justice and police accountability. Some community activists believe the sentences for officers who failed to intervene were too light.
The George Floyd case became a flashpoint in the national debate over police reform and racial justice. Public scrutiny of officers’ actions remains high, even years after the event.
The witchhunt on behalf of Saint George Floyd continues as Tou Thao, a Minneapolis police officer who held back bystanders as other officers tried to detain Floyd, is sentenced to four years and nine months in state prison.pic.twitter.com/O4N9lCdYq7
— Ben Kew (@ben_kew) August 7, 2023
Tou Thao spoke from prison but future plans unclear
In a 2025 prison interview, Thao talked about his Christian faith and views on justice. However, he did not outline what he plans to do after his release.
Details such as where he will live or whether he will face restrictions on employment or travel have not been made public. He has not returned to public life since his conviction.
Why this story matters for police reform and justice
The Tou Thao release is more than just the end of a prison sentence. It’s part of a larger conversation about law enforcement, race, and accountability in America.
George Floyd’s death sparked global protests and led to calls for sweeping changes in police departments. The outcomes for all four officers continue to be watched closely by communities and legal experts.
What makes the Tou Thao case different from others
Unlike his fellow officers, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, Thao did not take a plea deal. He chose to go to trial and received the maximum sentence for his charges.
This decision set him apart and kept him incarcerated longer than the others, aside from Chauvin. His actions—and inaction—remain central to how the case is remembered.
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