As people across the country celebrate the conviction of Derek Chauvin, one significant reaction came from Darnella Frazier. Last May, when she was 17 years old, Darnella filmed the horrific video of George Floyd’s murder, which led to months of protests, police reform bills and finally a guilty verdict for ex-Minneapolis officer Chauvin.
In a Facebook post, Darnella responded to Chauvin’s conviction on all three charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
“I just cried so hard,” Darnella wrote, per a tweet by CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez. “This last hour my heart was beating so fast, I was so anxious, anxiety bussing through the roof. But to know GUILTY ON ALL 3 CHARGES!!! THANK YOU GOD THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.”
“George Floyd we did it!!” she added. “Justice has been served.”
On Twitter, people hailed Darnella’s bravery and noted that without her, justice may have never been served in Floyd’s death. Darnella also testified against Chauvin on the second day of his murder trial.
“THANK YOU Darnella Frazier for witnessing for watching for recording and for being there for George Floyd with the others in the end. I know he felt you all there,” one person wrote.
“Thinking of Darnella Frazier who filmed the death of George Floyd at 17 and quite literally changed the world,” another tweeted. “She testified there are nights she stays up ‘apologizing & apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more.’ But, she did so, so much to get to this murder conviction.”
Kerry Washington added, “Darnella Frazier is a hero. Her bravery in that moment must never be forgotten. We lift you up Darnella.”
“Darnella Frazier demonstrated courage and perseverance in filming what she knew was wrong. This verdict does not happen without her,” another Twitter user wrote. “Thank you Darnella; you have changed our country forever.”
See Darnella’s reaction to Chauvin’s murder conviction and Twitter users singing her praise below.