Yves Sakila, a Congolese-born man in his 30s, died after being restrained by around five security guards outside Arnotts department store on Henry Street, Dublin, on May 15, 2026, in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident [1, 2, 3]. Video footage showed Sakila pinned to the ground for almost five minutes, with one man appearing to kneel on his head or neck [1, 2, 3]. Sakila became unresponsive at the scene and was later pronounced dead [1, 2, 3].
An elderly man in his 80s was injured as Sakila tried to flee the scene [1]. Police recovered CCTV and social media footage and are seeking witnesses who were nearby at rush hour [2]. Post-mortem results have been completed but not publicly released [2].
The death led to protests outside the Irish parliament, involving hundreds demanding justice and an end to racism [2, 3]. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin described the video as "distressing" and called for a "full and thorough" investigation, stating, "The full circumstances of what happened need to be examined and investigated fully and thoroughly. The situation is deeply concerning" [1, 2].
Members of the Congolese community in Ireland expressed shock, fear, and a sense of no longer feeling safe after the incident [1, 2]. Laure Zoya, vice president of the Congolese Community in Ireland, said, "The Ireland that they knew 30 years ago is no longer the same" [1]. Some community members and observers have drawn parallels to the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the US, with physics student David Kaliba calling it "a George Floyd moment" [2, 3].
Sakila moved to Ireland at a young age and had worked in IT before becoming homeless more recently [3]. Groups like the Irish Network Against Racism raised concerns about possible excessive use of force during the restraint [1].
Flowers were laid at the Henry Street scene on May 20 as the community mourned [1]. The next scheduled development is the outcome of the full official investigation requested by the prime minister, which remains ongoing [1, 2].
