Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died in May 2020 after Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on the victim’s neck even as he pleaded, “I can't breathe.”
Eighteen-year-old Darnella Frazier’s video was an important piece of evidence used in the trial of Chauvin who was found guilty in April on all charges in the murder of Floyd.
Frazier won the citation "for courageously recording the murder of George Floyd, a video that spurred protests against police brutality around the world, highlighting the crucial role of citizens in journalists' quest for truth and justice," according to the Pulitzer Prize Board.
“The Floyd story, in particular, highlighted not only the essential role of journalists, but the increasing importance of ordinary citizens in the quest for truth and justice,” said Mindy Marques, co-chair of the Pulitzer Prize Board, during the award ceremony on Friday.
“We want to note that the board has awarded a special citation to Darnella Frazier, the teenage witness who filmed and posted the transformative video that jolted viewers and spurred protests against police brutality around the world,” Marques added.
American lawmakers and journalists and others praised Frazier, 18, and the Pulitzer Prize Committee over the move.
“Darnella Frazier is part of a proud tradition of truth tellers who helped open our nation’s eyes to injustices that inspired movements for change. Grateful for her courage and strength,” tweeted Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
Frazier, then 17-year-old, was visiting the store that Memorial Day with her younger cousin when she saw police officers restraining Floyd on the ground. She recorded the incident on her cell phone as she pleaded with them to get off Floyd, who repeatedly said he couldn't breathe.
Frazier's video of the incident went viral, drawing attention to Floyd's death and sparking mass protests against police brutality across the US and abroad.
The viral video of the incident became an emblem of the Black Lives Matter campaign.
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