Yves Sakila's death is being called Ireland's 'George Floyd moment'

Yves Sakila, a 35-year-old Congolese-born man, died on May 15, 2026, after being restrained by security guards outside Arnotts department store in Dublin. Bystander video shows Sakila being held down by at least five men, including one who kneeled on his neck, for nearly five minutes before he became unresponsive. Police confirmed his death at a hospital but have not released the autopsy results, citing operational reasons. Sakila was detained after allegedly stealing a bottle of perfume from the store. His family’s lawyer, John Gerard Cullen, stated Sakila struggled with drug addiction and had been homeless before his death. Witnesses described him as a ‘down-to-earth’ man who moved to Ireland over 20 years ago and previously worked in the technology industry. The incident has sparked outrage in Ireland, with hundreds protesting outside the parliament on May 17, calling for justice. Ebun Joseph, Ireland’s special rapporteur on racial equality, described the mood as one of ‘hopelessness, pain, and anger,’ drawing parallels to George Floyd’s 2020 killing in the U.S. Police have launched an investigation, while an ombudsman reviews the officers’ response. Arnotts, the department store involved, confirmed it is cooperating with police and reviewing its private security services. The store’s security guards allegedly chased Sakila, who police say knocked over an 86-year-old retired pastor during the altercation, leaving the man hospitalized. Protests continue as Sakila’s family and supporters demand transparency, with calls for systemic change in policing and racial equality. The Irish Mirror identified the injured pastor as an 86-year-old man, though further details remain under investigation.