Former Minneapolis Officer Tou Thao Testifies in George Floyd Federal Civil Rights Trial

The federal trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights continued Tuesday, February 15, 2022, with the testimony of Tou Thao. Thao, who held back bystanders while Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck, claimed he relied on his fellow officers to address Floyd’s medical needs. This trial delves into the roles and responsibilities of each officer present during the fatal encounter on May 25, 2020.

FILE – Former Minneapolis Police Officer Tou Thao enters the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis on July 21, 2020. (Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

Thao, along with J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, are accused of depriving Floyd of his constitutional right to medical care. Specifically, Thao and Kueng face additional charges of failing to intervene and stop Chauvin from using excessive force. The prosecution alleges their inaction directly resulted in Floyd’s death.

Thao’s Role: Crowd Control or Dereliction of Duty?

Thao testified he positioned himself on the roadway to manage traffic and control the growing crowd of approximately 15 bystanders. He acknowledged hearing onlookers express concern for Floyd’s well-being and urging officers to check his pulse. However, Thao maintained his primary focus remained on crowd control. He stated he did not see any officer attempt to roll Floyd over or perform CPR, leading him to presume Floyd was still breathing and not in cardiac arrest. Thao further testified that he was unaware of any serious medical distress affecting Floyd, even as an ambulance transported him from the scene.

In this image from police body camera video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin stands outside Cup Foods in Minneapolis, on May 25, 2020, with a crowd of onlookers behind him. (Court TV via AP, Pool)

Conflicting Accounts of Training and Use of Force

Defense attorneys for the officers have argued that inadequate training and a culture of deference to senior officers within the Minneapolis Police Department contributed to the tragic outcome. Chauvin, who was convicted of murder and manslaughter in state court, held the highest rank among the officers at the scene.

Thao testified that his training included the use of neck restraints in certain handcuffing scenarios. However, under cross-examination, he acknowledged a distinction between using a knee to subdue a resisting individual and using it to restrain someone already handcuffed. He agreed that the neck should be avoided once a suspect is under control. When questioned directly about Chauvin’s actions, Thao stated he did not believe Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck constituted a trained neck restraint.

The Initial Arrest and Floyd’s Condition

The incident began with a 911 call reporting Floyd’s alleged use of a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. Thao testified that during the officers’ struggle to place Floyd in a squad car, it was apparent to him that Floyd was under the influence of drugs and exhibiting signs of “excited delirium,” a controversial diagnosis often associated with heightened strength and agitation. He also claimed that while he heard Floyd saying, “I can’t breathe,” his vantage point prevented him from observing anything that would obstruct Floyd’s breathing. He admitted to hearing similar claims from individuals in the past, expressing skepticism about their veracity. However, under further questioning, Thao conceded that officers are obligated to respond to such pleas, even if they suspect the individual is being dishonest.

FILE – This combination of photos shows, from left, former Minneapolis police officers J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. (Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File)

Upcoming State Trial and Chauvin’s Plea

Following the federal trial, Thao, Kueng, and Lane will face a separate state trial in June on charges of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter. Chauvin, meanwhile, pleaded guilty in December to a federal civil rights charge related to Floyd’s death.

The Weight of Responsibility and the Pursuit of Justice

The testimonies in this federal trial continue to unravel the complex sequence of events that led to George Floyd’s death. The prosecution aims to establish that the officers’ inaction and failure to provide medical care constituted a violation of Floyd’s civil rights. The defense, conversely, seeks to highlight the systemic issues within the Minneapolis Police Department and the influence of Chauvin’s seniority. As the trial progresses, the jury will weigh the evidence and determine the degree of responsibility each officer bears for the tragic loss of George Floyd’s life. This case carries significant implications for police accountability and the ongoing national conversation surrounding race and policing.

The trial continues, with Kueng and Lane expected to testify in the coming days. The outcome will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing national dialogue about police conduct, use of force, and the pursuit of justice for George Floyd.