Ex-Minneapolis rookie cop sentenced to 3 years over Floyd's death

Former Minneapolis Police Officer J. Alexander Kueng was sentenced to three years in federal prison on Wednesday for violating George Floyd's federal civil rights during a fatal arrest.

Former Officer Tao Thao received a 3.5-year sentence that same day.

Kueng, who was the only black officer on the scene of Floyd's death during his third-ever shift as a full cop, was sentenced below the guidelines due to his rookie status, U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson stated, according to The Associated Press.

Prosecutors called for Kueng to receive 4.25 to 5.25 years behind bars, arguing that he "didn't say a word" as he held Floyd's back while former Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes.

Thao kept bystanders away as Floyd lay on the ground dying in May 2020.

Magnuson told Kueng at the sentencing, "You were truly a rookie officer."

The judge noted that he received an "incredible number" of letters from other officers in support of Kueng.

Magnuson sentenced former Minneapolis Officer Thomas Lane last week to 2.5 years in federal prison, also citing his rookie status for going below the recommended sentence.

Keung said he joined the Minneapolis police force because he thought "diversity could force change in a Police Department long accused of racism," The New York Times reported shortly after Floyd's death.