The City of Yellowknife is conducting a review following an incident at its downtown library involving security personnel and a member of the public on Tuesday. The review was prompted by a video circulating on social media showing a security guard hitting and pushing a man at the library. The video, which has since been removed, captured a brief altercation between a man in a security vest and another individual in a black coat and backpack. The video did not show the events leading up to the confrontation.
In the footage, a voice can be heard telling the security guard to stay away before the guard strikes the man in the black coat and pushes him into a bookshelf. The security guard then brandishes a baton and instructs the man to stay down, eventually restraining him physically.
Witness Shawnna Lamouelle recorded a longer video of the incident and shared it with CBC News. Lamouelle’s video provides more context, showing the moments prior to the physical altercation. According to Lamouelle, the man involved had been sleeping in the library while charging his phone before being asked to leave by the security guard. The situation escalated when the man grabbed his phone, confronted the guard aggressively, and pushed him against a wall, leading to the altercation.
Yellowknife RCMP reported receiving a call about the fight at the library on Tuesday afternoon, where an intoxicated man was found in a conflict with security staff. The intoxicated individual was subsequently arrested and later released, with no reported injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
The security company managing the library, Risk Control Canada, declined to comment on the incident. The City of Yellowknife issued a statement acknowledging the situation and the circulating video, emphasizing that it takes such incidents seriously. The statement noted that the security firm, which was not named, has launched an internal review of the incident, with further details to be provided post-review completion.
In 2019, the city bolstered security at the library following a previous altercation that resulted in significant property damage.