George Floyd: Former Officer Sentenced to 3 Years

Facts

On Wednesday, former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane was sentenced to three years as part of a plea deal for his involvement in the killing of George Floyd in 2020.
Lane, who is already serving a 2.5-year federal sentence on charges of violating Floyd's civil rights, pleaded guilty in June to aiding and abetting the second-degree manslaughter of Floyd.
The former officer received a lesser sentence than the 41 months recommended. State prosecutors are allowing him to serve his federal and state sentences concurrently in federal prison.
Lane's sentences come as a result of him allegedly holding down Floyd's legs while Derek Chauvin — who received 22.5 years for manslaughter and murder — reportedly placed his knee on Floyd's neck for 9.5 minutes.
Former officers Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao have also been convicted of civil rights violations for kneeling on Floyd's back and blocking bystanders from intervening, respectively. They both received 3.5-year federal sentences and now await trial on state charges in October.
Under Minnesota law, Lane will likely serve two of his three years in prison and the third on parole. The sentencing judge, Peter Cahill, told him it was "wise" to "take responsibility." He also ordered Lane to register as a predatory offender and banned him from possessing firearms.

Sources: ABC, CNN, FOX News, and Khou.

Left narrative, as provided by Root. Despite playing an active role in Floyd's death, Lane is getting away largely unscathed: this sentencing is nothing more than a slap on the wrist and is a step back in the fight against the police violence that has fueled racial unrest.
Right narrative, as provided by Star Tribune. While Lane certainly played a role on that tragic day, he's not the monster some accuse him of being. He was a rookie who tried to take charge in a crisis but was dismissed by his superior, Chauvin. Now he's paying the price for someone else's actions.