11 June 2020

One of four police officers charged over George Floyd's death is out on bail

A rookie police officer, charged over the death of George Floyd has posted bail and is out of jail.

Thomas Lane, 37, posted bail of $750,000 and was released from the Hennepin County Jail, with conditions, shortly after 4 pm on Wednesday. Records show the other three officers facing charges remained in custody.

Lane is charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter for his role in the arrest of Floyd, the handcuffed black man who died after another officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck as Floyd cried out that he couldn’t breathe and became motionless.

Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray said last week Gray that Lane was a rookie, and that the only thing he did was hold Floyd’s feet so he couldn’t kick. The criminal complaint also says that Lane expressed concern about Floyd and asked Chauvin twice if they should roll Floyd to his side, but Chauvin said ’no’. Gray said Lane also performed CPR in the ambulance.

Gray told the Star Tribune he plans to bring a motion to dismiss the charges.

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox