The video camera used by George Holliday to record the March 3, 1991 beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers is going up for auction.
Nate D. Saunders Auctions listed the Sony Video8 Handycam CCD-F77 with a starting bid of $225,000. The auction is set to begin on Thursday.
The dramatic footage became one of the first 'viral videos' as TV stations across the country repeatedly showed the video of LAPD officers repeatedly kicking and punching the then-25-year-old King after he led them on a high-speed chase in a white Hyundai.
Holliday, now 60, recorded the beating from his apartment's balcony. The camera was later seized by the FBI at the time and only returned to him in 2015.
"I hope this video camera inspires people to use the amazing technology available today to shed light on events that they may find troubling, but more so, that this video I filmed may also inspire those that record events of heroism, love and kindness to step up with courage and share those events as well," Holliday said in a statement.
"If we focus on what's dark, and wallow in it, we will miss so much good that is all around us," he said.
The four white officers involved in the beating were charged with assault and excessive force. However, after a jury acquitted three of the officers and deadlocked on the other, massive protests broke out in South Central Los Angeles that eventually turned into a riot that lasted for five days. More than 50 people were killed in the riots and there was more than $1 billion dollars in property damage.
A federal jury later convicted two of the officers of violating King's rights and were sentenced to 30 months in prison.
According to the auction's description, while the camera no longer works, it does come with the original power adapter and a battery case. The videotape of King's beating is not included in the auction.
"I hope this video camera inspires people to use their power to record events that they find troubling. Don't be afraid to use it," Holliday added.
Photo: Getty Images, Nate. D. Sauders Auctions