Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao, who held back bystanders during George Floyd's killing, convicted of manslaughter
CBSNov 26, 2022
The Facts
On Monday, Tou Thao, one of the four former Minneapolis officers charged with George Floyd's death, was found guilty of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
In his verdict, Minnesota Judge Peter Cahill, who presided over the case, said that Thao, "made a conscious decision to actively participate in Floyd's death" by "holding back concerned bystanders" and "declining to render medical aid to Floyd."
The Spin
Left narrative
Floyd can never be brought back, but the conviction of the Minneapolis officers involved in his death provides justice to his family and community. This victory of the criminal justice system demonstrates that police brutality will be acted on and that those who perpetrate it will be held accountable.
Right narrative
While Thao certainly played a part in the police response that led to the tragic death of George Floyd, he is no murderer. The officer was on traffic duty when his colleagues were restraining Floyd — he should not be paying the price for their actions.
