Calls for social justice, police reform continue 1 year after George Floyd's death

George Floyd died in front of a Minneapolis Cup Foods on May 25, 2020.

Last Updated: May 26, 2021, 6:51 AM EDT

Activists are continuing their quest for police reform and social and racial justice on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's death.

Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after he was accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a Cup Foods.

His death sparked nationwide protests that persisted in major cities for much of the summer, despite a raging pandemic.

Floyd's family is set to meet with President Joe Biden Tuesday and other prominent lawmakers to push for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which aims to address "a wide range of policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability."

May 25, 2021, 8:42 PM EDT

Crump vows to return to DC every week with Floyd family

During an impromptu press conference at Black Lives Matter Plaza, the family of George Floyd, standing alongside lawmakers, answered questions following their trips to Capitol Hill and the White House. 

Family attorney Benjamin Crump told ABC News the Floyd family and others plan to be back in D.C. regularly.

"The family has committed, as well as other families have said, they will come to Washington, every week, if need be to get proper legislation that will prevent other families from having to go through what they're going through," he said.

George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd (2L) looks on as the family lawyer Ben Crump (2R) speaks to the media on Black Lives Matter plaza after a meeting at the White House with President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., May 25, 2021.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

When asked by ABC News about a new timetable for legislation for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Crump declined to give an exact date.

"We don't want to pigeonhole them," he said. "What we want is a good bill, and they're working as hard as they have told us they're working. We're going to get there sooner rather than later."

-ABC News' Beatrice Peterson

May 25, 2021, 7:16 PM EDT

Floyd family meets with GOP senators over police reform bill

George Floyd’s family met with GOP Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham on Tuesday evening for about an hour to discuss the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Family attorney Benjamin Crump told reporters the senators felt that they are "the closest they've ever been," on making a deal.

"Everybody's engaged and saying, ‘We can do better to solve this American issue.’ And the only way we can solve it is working together. It hasn't worked for us 50 years trying to work apart," Crump said.

Crump added that Scott told the family, "He can see the light at the end of the tunnel and asked us to stay encouraged."

Scott didn't give more details about the meeting but told reporters he was encouraged by the family's thoughts.

"I think we’re we’re making the kind of progress that we need to make. I’m happy that the family stopped by," he said.

-ABC News' Trish Turner

May 25, 2021, 5:51 PM EDT

Darnella Frazier, witness who filmed George Floyd's arrest, reflects on anniversary

Darnella Frazier, the bystander who filmed the most famous video of George Floyd's arrest and death at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin, issued a statement reflecting on the one-year anniversary.

Frazier, who was 17 at the time of the incident, said Floyd's death has profoundly changed her life and how she views the world.

"It made me realize how dangerous it is to be Black in America. We shouldn't have to walk on eggshells around police officers, the same people that are supposed to protect and serve," she said in her statement.

Frazier was walking with her 9-year-old cousin when they witnessed the police arrest Floyd. She said she and her cousin still deal with trauma from watching Floyd die.

Frazier said she still has panic attacks anytime she sees a police car.

"A lot of people call me a hero even though I don't see myself as one. I was just in the right place at the right time," she said. "I'm a girl trying to heal from something I am reminded of every day."

Frazier expressed her condolences to Floyd's family.

"I can't express enough how I wish things could have went different, but I want you to know you will always be in my heart. I'll always remember this day because of you," she said.

May 25, 2021, 4:24 PM EDT

President Biden issues statement about meeting with Floyd family

President Biden, who has suffered several personal losses himself, said in a statement he related to the Floyd family in their first year of loss, as they relived Floyd's death with every play of the video of his arrest.

"The Floyd family has shown extraordinary courage, especially his young daughter Gianna, who I met again today," the president added.

Members of the George Floyd family, including Floyd's daughter Gianna, center, talk outside the West Wing of the White House after meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House, May 25, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
Evan Vucci/AP

Biden reiterated his support for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and appreciated "the good-faith efforts from Democrats and Republicans to pass a meaningful bill out of the Senate." He called on Congress to act quickly to pass the legislation.

"We face an inflection point. The battle for the soul of America has been a constant push and pull between the American ideal that we’re all created equal and the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart," Biden said.
-ABC News' Molly Nagle