Eight Teens Arrested After Viral Assault on High School Security Guard in Repentigny

Police in Repentigny arrested eight teenagers last week following an assault on a convenience store supervisor outside Horizon High School, an incident that went viral online. Authorities said the assault occurred on March 3, and a ninth suspect could also face arrest, according to Le Journal de Montréal.

The viral video, which has been widely shared on social media and viewed hundreds of thousands of times, shows a heated confrontation between the store employee and a teenager, with both grabbing each other by the collar. Dozens of other youths are seen filming and observing the altercation. Moments later, another teen strikes the adult, causing him to collapse to the ground.

The teenagers may face charges depending on their involvement, including assault, intimidation, or harassment.

The Affluents School Service Centre — Quebec’s fifth-largest school service centre — stated that although the incident occurred off school grounds, it has addressed the students’ actions in accordance with the school code of conduct. The centre emphasized: “It is important to remember that the actions of a few individuals do not represent all of our students,” and urged caution in social media reactions.

Repentigny Mayor Nicolas Dufour also commented on the situation via Facebook: “That is why, throughout the week, we ask that you exercise caution and respect the work of the police. Now, justice will take its course.” He added, “I remind you that under the Canadian Constitution and the principle of the separation of powers, it is not a municipality that determines the Criminal Code. That responsibility falls to the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada.”