George Floyd: One of four ex-officers charged over killing leaves jail, reports say

Thomas Lane's attorney is preparing a motion asking for the charges against him to be dismissed

Thomas Lane, one of the four former Minneapolis police officers charged over the killing of George Floyd, has left jail after posting $750,000 bail, according to reports.

The 37-year-old was released from the Hennepin County jail shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, the Star Tribune reported, citing a Sheriff's Office spokesperson.

Mr Lane is charged with aiding and abetting in the 25 May killing of Mr Floyd, as are two other former police officers, Tou Thao and J Alexander Keung.

Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Mr Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes as he begged for mercy and onlookers pleaded with him to stop, is charged with second degree murder and manslaughter.

Mr Lane's attorney, Earl Gray, was quoted as saying that his client had accepted bail with conditions. He said that his whereabouts were being kept secret for his protection.

Police mugshot of former Minneapolis officer Thomas Lane following his arrest over the killing of George Floyd (via REUTERS)

However, he said he was preparing to file a motion to dismiss the charges against him.

Mr Lane's next court appearance is scheduled for 29 June.

He is believed to have held down Mr Floyd's legs while Mr Keung held him down on his back and Mr Chauvin knelt on his neck. Mr Floyd was arrested on suspicion of passing a bad cheque for $20.

His death has sparked weeks of protests across the United States and in cities around the world including London, Paris and Berlin, focusing on police brutality against people of colour and racial justice.

On Wednesday his brother, Philonise Floyd, during an appearance at a congressional committee, called on politicians to "stop the pain".

He said: "George called for help, and he was ignored. Please listen to the call I'm making to you now, to the calls of our family, and the calls ringing out on the streets across the world," he said.

He added: "It's my job to comfort my brothers and my sisters, [George Floyd's] kids, and everyone who loved him. And that's a lot of people. I have to be the strong one now because George is gone."