Downtown protest draws dozens, Indigenous leaders look for answers after video shared of Dollarama security guard beating robbery suspect By: Malak Abas Posted: 3:04 PM CST Monday, Mar. 2, 2026 Last Modified: 11:54 AM CST Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026 Updates

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This article was published 02/03/2026 (194 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating after a video of a security guard violently beating an Indigenous man at a downtown Dollarama store was shared on social media.

In the video posted on Facebook over the weekend, a man wearing an Impact Security uniform can be seen slamming another man onto the floor while slapping, punching and kicking him. The security guard appears to be wearing brass knuckles. He threatens to kill the man being attacked, who is covering his head in the video, and his face is not visible. The security guard swears at the man and bystanders in the store.

Police said Monday they were called to the Portage Avenue store Saturday afternoon and arrested a 46-year-old man who had attempted to leave the store without paying for items before being stopped by a 23-year-old on-duty security guard.

While the security guard wasn’t arrested at the time, police said a new investigation with the major crimes unit was launched Sunday after the WPS was made aware of the video circulating online.

In a news release Monday, the service asked anyone with information to contact police. The Indigenous man was charged with robbery and uttering threats and was released to appear in court at a later date.

Dollarama media relations spokesperson Lyla Radmanovich said the chain does not “authorize the use of force in any situation,” and the security guard involved would not be assigned to work at Dollarama stores in the future.

“Following the incident, we put the security firm on notice while we investigate why protocol was not followed, and we are fully co-operating with the authorities in their investigation,” she said.

Impact Security did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization have both released statements describing the victim as Indigenous and calling for a full investigation.

“What I saw in that video is concerning,” said AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson.

“While we must allow the proper investigative process to unfold, the images raise serious questions about use-of-force practices and how First Nations people are being treated in public spaces.”

SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said he had requested a meeting with Justice Minister Matt Wiebe and the WPS.

“This issue is part of a broader, well-documented problem. First Nations people have long reported racism, excessive force, and discriminatory treatment in policing, security, and other public safety settings,” Daniels said in a statement Sunday.

“Even in situations where shoplifting is suspected, the use of brutal or excessive force is never justified. No allegation of theft warrants violence, humiliation, or actions that endanger a person’s safety and dignity.”

A protest outside of the Dollarama store located at Portage Avenue and Donald Street drew approximately 100 people Monday afternoon.

Traffic was blocked off as protesters drummed and held a round dance.

Red handprints were painted onto the windows, as were statements, including: “No violent employees,” and “Shop somewhere else.”

The store was locked and a sign on the door read, “Temporarily closed.”

Speakers at the protest shared their own experiences witnessing violence against Indigenous people at Winnipeg stores and called on the city and province to suspend and review their contracts with Impact Security.

“Wearing a uniform does not place somebody above the law; a badge or a security guard licence doesn’t give anyone the right to assault another human being,” said Victor Mondaca, who described himself as a security guard.

“We’re here to say enough is enough.”

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca