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J. Alexander Kueng
Former Minneapolis Police Officer
Officer involved in George Floyd's murder
Overview
J. Alexander Kueng was a rookie Minneapolis police officer involved in the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Kueng held Floyd's back while Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes. Despite being on only his third shift as a fully licensed officer, Kueng failed to intervene as Floyd pleaded that he could not breathe. He was later convicted on both state and federal charges for his role in Floyd's death.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
FAILURE TO INTERVENE: Kueng held George Floyd's back during the restraint that killed him. Despite Floyd's repeated pleas and bystanders urging officers to stop, Kueng did not attempt to intervene or reposition Floyd.
ROOKIE OFFICER: Kueng was on only his third shift as a fully licensed officer when Floyd was killed. Chauvin was his training officer. Kueng had checked Floyd's pulse at one point and said he could not find one, yet did not call for medical aid or ask Chauvin to stop.
STATE CONVICTION: In October 2022, Kueng pleaded guilty to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death. He was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.
FEDERAL CONVICTION: In February 2022, Kueng was convicted by a federal jury of violating Floyd's civil rights by failing to intervene. He was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison, to be served concurrently with his state sentence.
SYSTEMIC FAILURE: Kueng's case highlighted the failure of police training culture, where rookie officers felt unable to challenge senior officers even when witnessing lethal force being applied to a restrained, unarmed person.
Related Investigations (2)
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Department of Justice Press Release: Federal Civil Rights Charges (2021)
Star Tribune: Minneapolis Officers Charged in George Floyd Death (2020)
AP News: Kueng Pleads Guilty in State Case (2022)
Personal Information
Education
Key Timeline
2019
Hired by Minneapolis Police Department
2020-05-25
Present during murder of George Floyd; held Floyd's back while Chauvin knelt on his neck
2020-06-03
Charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder
2022-02-24
Convicted of federal civil rights violation
2022-07-27
Sentenced to 3 years in federal prison
2022-10-24
Pleaded guilty to state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter
2022-12-09
Sentenced to 3.5 years in state prison