Thomas Lane Released After His Role in George Floyd's Death

Thomas Lane Released After Conviction in George Floyd's Death

MINNEAPOLIS — Thomas Lane, one of the former Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd, has officially been released from custody. The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Lane's release after he served his federal sentence related to Floyd's murder.

Background on the Case

• Lane was convicted in 2022 for violating Floyd's civil rights during the tragic event.
• He was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison for his role in the incident.

Additionally, Lane faced state charges earlier that same year, resulting in a three-year sentence for aiding and abetting manslaughter. His state and federal sentences overlapped, allowing him to serve his time concurrently. Lane's release from federal custody occurred on February 26 of this year, after completing his sentence in Colorado.

Protests and Legal Actions

The death of George Floyd, which occurred on May 25, 2020, sparked widespread protests across Minnesota and the globe. Lane was one of four former officers convicted following the incident. Derek Chauvin received a 22.5-year state sentence for murder and manslaughter, while J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao faced similar charges resulting in respective sentences.

Both the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice conducted investigations into the Minneapolis Police Department after Floyd's death, uncovering patterns of discriminatory practices that prompted the city to enter into consent decrees aimed at reform.