Teenager who recorded George Floyd’s arrest says she wasn’t trying to be a hero

Darnella Frazier, the girl who recorded the video of George Floyd’s arrest, says she was not looking to become a hero when she documented the incident that led to his death.

According to Star Tribune, Frazier spoke through her attorney, Seth Cobin.

Cobin reportedly said the 17-year-old girl had no idea she would witness “a high profile police murder in American history”.

Frazier was said to be walking her nine-year-old cousin to get a snack at Cup Foods in Minneapolis when she saw four officers pulling a black man from inside a vehicle.

“She had no idea she would witness and document one of the most important and high-profile police murders in American history,” Cobin was quoted to have said.

“If it wasn’t for her bravery, presence of mind, and steady hand, and her willingness to post the video on Facebook and share her trauma with the world, all four of those police officers would still be on the streets, possibly terrorizing other members of the community.

“Frazier wasn’t looking to be a hero but is just a 17-year-old high school student, with a boyfriend and a job at the mall, who did the right thing. She’s the Rosa Parks of her generation.

“When she was a few storefronts from the shop, she saw four officers roughly removing a black motorist from his vehicle. Because police brutality is so common in that neighborhood, and the officers rarely face consequences, she pulled out her iPhone and started recording.”

According to the lawyer, Frazier is not ready to speak publicly but she is “staying positive” and doing well.

“Frazier is doing well in terms of her outlook and attitude. She’s staying positive and avoiding the drama on social media,” he said.

He reportedly said the 17-year-old “has not received threats or anything like that” but acknowledged that “she’s been the target of trash talking and shade” on social media.

Floyd, an African American, died after a Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground and knelt on his neck when he was arrested for allegedly spending a counterfeit $20 note in a shop.

His death sparked outrage across the US, which led to anti-racism protests globally.

The police officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter while the three other officers with him were charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.

Floyd was buried on Tuesday in Houston, Texas.