Derek Chauvin, the former officer at the center of George Floyd’s high-profile murder, has been moved to a Texas federal prison after surviving a brutal stabbing that nearly took his life. Meanwhile, Thomas Lane, one of the other convicted officers, has been released, marking a significant moment in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.
Chauvin Transferred to Texas Federal Prison
Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer convicted of George Floyd’s murder, has been relocated to a federal prison in Texas. This move follows nearly nine months after he was stabbed in another facility.
Chauvin Serving Dual Sentences
Chauvin, 47, is now at the Federal Correctional Institution in Big Spring, Texas, a low-security prison. He was previously incarcerated in Arizona, serving both a 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights and a 22 1/2-year state sentence for second-degree murder.
Stabbing Incident Preceded Transfer
Chauvin’s transfer comes in the wake of a violent attack where he was stabbed 22 times by a former gang leader. The incident occurred almost nine months ago while he was serving his sentence in Arizona.
Thomas Lane Released from Federal Prison
Former Minneapolis officer Thomas Lane, who was involved in restraining George Floyd, was released from a federal prison in Colorado on Tuesday. Lane, 41, served a three-year sentence for aiding and abetting manslaughter.
Lane’s Role in Floyd’s Death
Lane admitted to intentionally helping restrain Floyd in a way that posed an unreasonable risk, ultimately leading to Floyd’s death. He acknowledged hearing Floyd’s pleas for air and recognized that Floyd lost consciousness during the restraint.
Details of Floyd’s Death
George Floyd, 46, died in May 2020 after Derek Chauvin pinned him down with a knee on his neck for over nine minutes. Thomas Lane held Floyd’s legs, while J. Alexander Kueng knelt on Floyd’s back, and Tou Thao kept bystanders at bay.
Kueng and Thao Await Release
J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, both former Minneapolis officers, are scheduled for release in 2025. Kueng is held in an Ohio federal prison, and Thao is incarcerated in Kentucky.
Protests Sparked by Floyd’s Killing
The killing of George Floyd, captured on a bystander’s video, ignited global protests in 2020. The incident became a catalyst for a broader movement against racial injustice.
Lane First Officer Released
Thomas Lane, the first of the four officers convicted in George Floyd’s killing, has been released from prison. Lane served his federal and state sentences concurrently after being convicted of violating Floyd’s civil rights.
Chauvin’s Bid to Overturn Plea
Derek Chauvin is attempting to overturn his federal guilty plea, arguing that new evidence exonerates him from causing Floyd’s death. If this effort fails, he remains behind bars until 2038.
Attack on Chauvin in Prison
Chauvin was attacked on November 24, 2023, by John Turscak, a former Mexican Mafia gang member serving a 30-year sentence. Turscak targeted Chauvin due to his notoriety in Floyd’s killing.
Security Issues at FCI Tucson
FCI Tucson, where Chauvin was previously held, has faced ongoing security and staffing challenges. Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric Nelson, had pushed to keep him out of the general population, fearing he would become a target.
Turscak Charged with Attempted Murder
Turscak, who has been charged with attempted murder, told officers he intended to kill Chauvin if not for their swift intervention. The attack underscored the risks Chauvin faced in prison due to his high-profile case.
