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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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KEY TAKEAWAYS |
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J. Alexander Kueng will be released from prison on January 15, 2025. |
Kueng pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. |
His actions during the restraint of George Floyd sparked global protests. |
Kueng’s release reopens wounds related to police brutality within the Black community. |
Lawmakers are advocating for the reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. |
Community organizations continue to mobilize against systemic racial injustice. |
The Ongoing Struggle for Justice: J. Alexander Kueng’s Release and the Legacy of George Floyd
J. Alexander Kueng’s Role in George Floyd’s Death
In a clear reminder of the ongoing fight against racism and police violence, J. Alexander Kueng will be released from prison on January 15, 2025. Kueng’s upcoming freedom stirs the pain and anger from George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020. He was one of four officers present during Floyd’s fatal restraint, playing a key role in the incident that sparked global protests against racial injustice (The New Yorker).
Kueng directly contributed to Floyd’s death by kneeling on Floyd’s back. Meanwhile, Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes. This act led to Floyd’s death and ignited a worldwide push for change (The New Yorker). Their actions revealed deep issues of racism within policing.
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing
After a major public outcry and legal battles, Kueng faced the consequences. He admitted to aiding second-degree manslaughter and was also convicted of violating Floyd’s civil rights. The court gave him 3 ½ years for state charges and 3 years for federal charges. Yet, this sentence seems insufficient for the severe impact on Floyd’s family and Black communities.
Prison Sentences for Officers Involved in George Floyd’s Death
Prison Sentences (Years)
Derek Chauvin serves the longest prison term at 22.5 years in state prison (concurrent with his 21-year federal sentence). Tou Thao received nearly 5 years, Kueng 3.5 years (plus a concurrent 3-year federal sentence), and Lane 2.5 years in federal prison.
CBS News, Officer Sentences for George Floyd’s Death
His release from the Elkton facility marks a worrying step in the fight for justice (The New Yorker). According to Minnesota law, Kueng will complete his term on supervised release. This situation raises concerns about the justice system’s effectiveness in tackling systemic racism and holding officers accountable.
Understanding Systemic Racism

Systemic Racism: Policies and practices in institutions that disadvantage certain groups. Unlike personal prejudice, it exists within social, economic, and political systems around us. Recognizing this form of racism is key to addressing the root causes of racial inequalities in policing and other areas.
The Status of the Other Officers Involved
In addition to Kueng, three other officers were involved in George Floyd’s death. Their actions and legal outcomes are essential for understanding the bigger picture of accountability. Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd’s neck, was convicted of murder and is serving a lengthy prison sentence. Thomas Lane and Tou Thao also faced charges for their roles.
Lane pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and received a sentence of three years. Thao was convicted of aiding and abetting manslaughter and awaits sentencing. These legal proceedings show the justice system’s response to the officers’ involvement (NPR).
Understanding Aiding and Abetting
Aiding and abetting is a legal idea that holds people responsible for helping in a crime. It means providing support or encouragement to someone committing an offense. Under U.S. federal law, someone who aids or abets a crime can be charged as if they committed it themselves (Legal Information Institute).
For someone to be convicted of aiding and abetting, it must be shown that they knowingly assisted in the crime’s commission. This legal principle was applied in the cases of Kueng and the other officers, showing how the law addresses involvement in wrongful acts.
What Is Supervised Release?
Supervised release is a program that provides community oversight for individuals after their release from prison. Under this system, the person must follow certain conditions while reentering society. In Kueng’s case, he will serve the rest of his sentence under supervision, as permitted by Minnesota law (United States Courts).
Federal Prison Time Served
Typical Time Served by Federal Inmates
Federal inmates typically serve 85% of their sentences, with additional flexibility introduced through the First Step Act, which can allow inmates to earn time credits and earlier release under certain conditions.
CBS News, Federal Prison Time Served
This approach aims to support reintegration while monitoring behavior to prevent future offenses. However, some argue it may not fully address the harm caused or ensure enough accountability. Even so, supervised release represents a standard practice in the criminal justice system.
Policing Reforms and Accountability
The release of these officers shows the urgent need for fundamental policing reforms. Reintroducing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a big step in addressing problems within law enforcement. Nonetheless, legislative actions can’t solve everything alone. Real change needs a proper overhaul of the policing system and dismantling its racist roots.
Police Accountability Legislation & Racial Disparities in Policing
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Key Provisions:
• Bans chokeholds
• Limits qualified immunity for officers
• Creates a national registry of police misconduct
Aims to address systemic issues within policing by increasing accountability and promoting transparency.
Wikipedia, George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Racial Disparities in Policing
A 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Justice found that Black people are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested by police than white people.
These findings highlight ongoing concerns about unequal treatment of racial minorities within the criminal justice system.
U.S. Department of Justice, Statistical Data on Racial Disparities in Policing
The quest for justice requires constant vigilance and activism. As Kueng and the others rejoin society, staying committed to fighting systemic racism is crucial. The battle for racial justice extends beyond individual cases, needing a collective effort to dismantle oppressive systems.
Minneapolis Police Department Reforms & George Floyd Settlement
Minneapolis Police Department Reforms
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice found years-long patterns of discriminatory practices within the Minneapolis Police Department. The resulting investigations mandate the city to enter into reformatory consent decrees.
These dual investigations aim to enforce systemic changes in policing and hold MPD accountable for longstanding issues of discrimination.
CBS News, Investigations into Minneapolis Police Department
Settlement for George Floyd's Family
The city of Minneapolis agreed to pay $27 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by George Floyd’s family, following his killing in 2020.
This settlement is one of the largest for a police-related wrongful death case, reflecting the profound impact of Floyd’s death on the city and national conversations around race and policing.
Wikipedia, Murder of George Floyd
Impact on the Black Community
The release of these officers opens wounds in the Black community. It is a painful reminder of the trauma from police violence and the ongoing devaluation of Black lives. Short sentences and early releases promote a feeling of injustice, strengthening the belief that the legal system neglects Black Americans.
Community groups and activists keep mobilizing against these situations. Their persistent efforts to raise awareness and push for policy changes support communities in need. The resilience and determination of these individuals provide hope amid ongoing oppression.
The Role of Media and Public Discussion
Media portrayal of Kueng's release and the George Floyd case shapes public discussions. It is vital that coverage goes beyond simple stories and looks into deeper systemic issues. Responsible journalism must amplify marginalized voices, challenge current narratives, and hold power figures accountable.
Public conversations around these events should focus on Black Americans' experiences. Creating spaces for honest talks about racism, police brutality, and necessary changes is crucial. Through open dialogue and facing harsh truths, there can be progress towards a just society.
FAQ
Q: Why is J. Alexander Kueng's release significant?
A: Kueng's release is significant as it reignites discussions about systemic racism and police brutality following George Floyd's tragic death, highlighting ongoing injustices within the legal system.
Q: What charges did J. Alexander Kueng face?
A: Kueng pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and was convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights, resulting in a concurrent sentence of 3½ years on state charges and 3 years on federal charges.
Q: What does Kueng's impending release indicate about the justice system?
A: His release raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing systemic racism and holding law enforcement accountable for their actions.
Q: How does Kueng's release impact the Black community?
A: It serves as a painful reminder of ongoing trauma from police brutality and perpetuates a sense of injustice, indicating that the legal system often fails to protect Black lives.
Q: What response is there to the release of officers involved in Floyd's death?
A: Community organizations and activists are mobilizing to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and support affected communities as they continue the fight against racial injustice.
Q: What is the role of media in this situation?
A: The media plays a vital role in shaping public discourse by amplifying marginalized voices, challenging prevailing narratives, and holding those in power accountable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.