The teenager who filmed police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck shed tears during the second day of the trial. Darnella Frazier said that murder accused Chauvin seemed “numb” when Floyd begged for his life.
– Darnella Frazier became world famous after she filmed the arrest. Photo: Darnella Frazier via AP
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Frazier said she started filming the arrest because she felt that the scene that unfolded “was not correct”. She described Floyd as “terrified and frightened”.
– It seems like he knew he was done. He was suffering, said the teenager from the witness stand.
Guilt
In what turned out to be a very emotional day in court, Frazier, who was only 17 when she witnessed the fatal arrest, said she was constantly reminded of the incident.
– When I look at George Floyd, I see my father. I see smaller brothers, I see my cousins, my uncles, who are all African-Americans. I look at them and think it could have been one of them, said Frazier.
Teenagers further said that she has long struggled with guilt for her role in Floyd’s death.
“There have been nights where I lie awake and apologize to George for not doing more and not physically intervening and saving his life,” a tearful Frazier told the jury.
Homicide defendant Derek Chauvin and defense attorney Eric Nelson listened to several emotionally charged testimonies Tuesday. Photo: Court TV via AP
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– But it’s not me who should have done. That is what he should have done, the teenager said, referring to the murder suspect who was sitting a few meters away.
Amps exchange
Frazier was one of several witnesses who told about his experience on Tuesday. Among these was also Genevieve Hansen, who works in the fire service. She too broke down in tears as she recounted her experience of the arrest.
Genevieve Hansen fought back tears in court. Photo: Court TV via AP
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Hansen said she repeatedly asked police officers to check Floyd’s pulse, only to be rejected. Police officers should not have believed that she actually worked in the fire department, and Chauvin should have ignored her while he continued to kneel on Floyd’s neck.
– As I remember it, he had his hands in his pockets. He seemed so relaxed, Hansen says.
There was an occasional tense atmosphere between Hansen and Chauvin’s defender, who pointed out that she expressed “anger” towards the police officers.
– I do not know if you have seen anyone killed, but it is outrageous, Hansen replied.
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