Today, the Center for Policing Equity released the following statement on the sentencing of Tou Thao, Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane in the murder of George Floyd:
Today, the three former police Minneapolis officers who were on the scene as Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd were convicted of depriving Floyd of his civil rights while acting under government authority when they failed to give him medical aid. Kueng and Thao were also convicted of not intervening to stop their superior officer Derek Chauvin from using excessive force.
While we applaud the sentencing, we must remember that it does not make up for the immense trauma felt by Floyd’s family, loved ones, and the greater community. Rather, the conviction represents an important step towards officer accountability – a foundational part of redesigning public safety. Floyd’s murder is proof that we urgently need new approaches to public safety — especially for marginalized communities that have been historically over-policed and deprived of the resources they need to keep them safe, thriving, and equitable.
Although this conviction brings more accountability to the criminal legal system, it will not bring George Floyd back to his loved ones. We remain committed to working toward a future where every person in every community feels safe and valued. We will never forget George Floyd and keep him and his family in our thoughts.