Former Minneapolis police officer, Tou Thao, has been found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd.

Thao was one of four officers involved in the fatal arrest of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was arrested after being accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. During the arrest, former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes, causing his death. The incident sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

Thao’s trial lasted three weeks and the jury deliberated for just over 10 hours before reaching a verdict. He was found guilty of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and aiding and abetting second-degree murder. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

Thao’s defense argued that he was a “reasonable officer” who did not intend to commit a crime. However, prosecutors argued that he knew Chauvin was using excessive force and failed to intervene, making him complicit in Floyd’s death.

The verdict was welcomed by Floyd’s family and civil rights activists, who saw it as a step towards accountability for police officers who commit acts of brutality.

“This verdict is a turning point in the fight for justice for George Floyd and countless other victims of police violence,” said Ben Crump, the Floyd family’s attorney. “It sends a clear message that police officers are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions.”

Thao’s sentencing is scheduled for late June. His co-defendants, Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane, are also facing charges in connection with Floyd’s death and are scheduled to stand trial later this year.