Ex-Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for violating George Floyd’s civil rights. Federal prosecutors had asked Judge Paul A. Magnuson to sentence Lane to between 5.25 years to 6.5 years for his role in the fatal restraint of Floyd on a Minneapolis street in May 2020. Earl Gray, Lane’s attorney, asked for a sentence of 2.25 years.
Judge Magnuson said that Lane had a ”minimal role” in the incident, adding that he is a person of ”outstanding character.” The judge also noted he received 145 letters in support of Lane. ” It’s not unusual to receive letters. But I have never received so many letters,” he said.