Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao is speaking publicly again after serving more than three years in prison for his role in the 2020 arrest of George Floyd, using a new interview with Alpha News host Liz Collin to sharply criticize the prosecution, the media, Minneapolis police leadership, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Thao, one of four former officers convicted in cases connected to Floyd’s death, appeared on Collin’s podcast shortly after taking part in Alpha News’ documentary Minnesota Mao. During the discussion, he argued that he and the other officers were caught in what he called a politically driven process rather than a fair search for accountability.
His comments were wide-ranging and deeply personal. He spoke about losing years with his wife and children, accused officials of hiding evidence and shaping a public narrative, and claimed that some people involved in the cases were later rewarded for helping advance that narrative…