Former Police Officer Charged With Floyd’s Killing Is Freed After Asking The Public For Donations To Bail Him Out Of Jail

One of the police officers arrested over the George Floyd killing has been bailed out of prison after appealing for money from the public for bail money and legal fees. Thomas Lane, who is charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, was held on bail of $750,000.

The website which has been set up in his name denies Mr. Lane is responsible for the death of Mr. Floyd and that the amount set for bail is unreasonable. It also states that Lane ‘did everything he could within his power to save Mr. Floyd’s Life.’

The website then asks for donations:
“Thomas Lane and his family appreciate your support and prayers during this time. If you wish to give a gift, click the DONATE BUTTON.”

However, it has recently come to light that the 37 year-old officer, who was only on his 4th day of being a police officer, has a string of over a dozen low-level criminal offences.

While it appears that most of these were driving violations, it is also shown that in 2001 he was charged with obstructing legal process, damaging property, unlawful assembly, and disorderly conduct. He was later convicted of obstructing legal process and damaging property.

In 2007, he also faced a misdemeanour charge regarding a noisy party and disorderly conduct, he was later found guilty of the noise-complaint.

One of the main points of contest the Lane family have, in regard to the amount set for bail, is that both he and Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, were originally both being held on $1 million bail.

Image credits: Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Minnesota

The family contest that because Lane is clearly not as responsible for the death as Chauvin, that the bail amount should be reduced. This point is again made on the website asking for funds:
“Thomas Lane’s bail was set at $1 million, the same as senior officer Chauvin. This shows a total disregard for equal justice under the law.”

The charge against Lane does accept that he did suggest to Chauvin that Floyd should be rolled over, and that the officer should stop kneeling on him but that Lane ‘took no actions to assist Mr. Floyd, to change his position, or to reduce the force the officers were using against Mr. Floyd.’

Currently, all four officers are awaiting trial though no date has yet been specified as to when this will take place. The trial will no doubt be a focus point for much of the US and the world.