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Video of Minneapolis Incident Prompts Investigation and Scrutiny of Allied Universal Agreement
A disturbing encounter between private security guards and a 22-year-old man outside a Metro Transit light rail station is drawing public outcry and triggering a formal investigation. The incident—captured on surveillance video—has exposed new concerns about oversight and accountability under Metro Transit’s $11 million security contract with Allied Universal, one of the largest private security companies in the country.
The video, obtained by 5 INVESTIGATES, shows security guards physically confronting Elante Holston outside the Lake Street/Midtown Station in Minneapolis. While one guard later claimed Holston “threatened to shoot him,” police found no weapon, and Holston was not charged with any crime related to the incident.
From Verbal Dispute to Physical Force
The situation began as a verbal exchange inside the station. After being told to leave, Holston complied and exited with three others. Once outside, the verbal back-and-forth continued. That’s when the confrontation escalated. In the video, a guard can be seen grabbing Holston from behind as he appeared to walk away.
Witnesses described the takedown as aggressive and unnecessary. One 911 caller reported that Holston looked “defenseless.” A police report confirms that Holston was maced and slammed to the ground by three guards. A witness told reporters, “It was a George Floyd moment all over again… bloodied face, screaming.” Another camera captured a guard throwing Holston’s bike twice during the incident.
Holston’s mother, Ervena Carter, told 5 INVESTIGATES that she didn’t see anything in the video that justified the guards’ response. “What I saw shouldn’t have happened,” she said. “Elante was just going to retrieve his bike.”
No Charges, But Serious Concerns Remain
Despite the violence, Holston was never arrested or charged in connection to the confrontation. He later sought medical care at Regions Hospital and was found to have visible facial injuries, including a busted mouth and scars. Holston is currently in custody on an unrelated matter, and his family is pursuing addiction treatment options for him.
While acknowledging her son’s personal struggles, Carter says he was not the aggressor in this situation. “He didn’t deserve for that security officer to do what he did,” she said.
Lacking Documentation and Oversight
Metro Transit’s contract with Allied Universal mandates “de-escalation” and incident reporting, but when 5 INVESTIGATES submitted a public data request, the Metropolitan Council responded that it was unaware of any reports filed by Allied Universal regarding this or other incidents.
The contract does not explicitly outline use-of-force guidelines, and Metro Transit officials confirmed that they do not maintain specific use-of-force policies for private contractors. This lack of oversight is raising questions about the scope of Metro Transit’s authority—and Allied Universal’s accountability.
Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras declined multiple interview requests but acknowledged during a public event that the process for incident documentation is being reviewed. “Any time there is any allegation of misconduct, we have to take that very seriously,” Kandaras said.
Internal emails show Kandaras asked Metro Transit’s Interim Police Chief Joe Dotseth to investigate the matter following a complaint from a witness. That complaint said guards had “repeatedly slammed him into the cement.”
Five months later, Kandaras said she had seen “parts” of the footage. The guards involved are still working on transit property under Allied Universal’s contract.
Broader Questions About Use of Taxpayer Funds
The incident has intensified scrutiny of the $11 million taxpayer-funded agreement with Allied Universal. Critics say the lack of clear accountability structures, incident reporting, and transparent oversight may be putting community members at risk—without delivering on the contract’s core purpose: improving safety on transit property.
Attorney Jeff Storms, who previously represented George Floyd’s family and reviewed the video at 5 INVESTIGATES’ request, said the use of force in Holston’s case raises red flags. “At the critical moment, when force began to be used, he appeared to be leaving,” Storms said. “We need to better understand what rules the Met Council is letting these guards play by.”
With public concern growing, and new calls for stronger standards around use of force, documentation, and private security oversight, this incident may be just the beginning of deeper questions surrounding privatized security and public accountability in the Twin Cities.
