Former Officer Thomas Lane, Associated with George Floyd’s Death, Is About to Be Released from Federal Prison

Thomas Lane, a former Minneapolis police officer who was implicated in the murder of George Floyd, is scheduled to be released from federal detention this Tuesday. Lane was one of the officers who observed as ex-officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes, resulting in Floyd’s death. This incident sparked global protests and a renewed call for police reform and justice.

Lane, who is currently 41 years old, was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter at the state level. In addition, he entered a plea of guilty to federal charges against Floyd for the deprivation of his civil rights. Lane concluded his federal sentence four months ago; however, he continued to serve his state-mandated time in a federal facility in Englewood, Colorado.

Lane’s sentence is scheduled to expire on Tuesday, and he will be released, according to the federal inmate database. Lane will be subject to a year of supervised release, during which he will be closely monitored by the authorities.

The other officers implicated are currently serving 22 1/2 years for second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree homicide, with Derek Chauvin being the most severely sentenced. J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, former officers, were also convicted on federal charges for neglecting to intervene during Chauvin’s use of force and denying Floyd his civil rights. Both individuals are currently incarcerated, serving out extended sentences in conjunction with Chauvin.