A peace activist who beat a homeless man at a Cub Foods in St. Paul has been charged with assault in the fifth degree, according to a Minnesota crime account.
Brandon David Miller, 24, was hired by a nonprofit group called “We Push For Peace” who partnered with Cub Foods to be a security presence outside the store in replace of police officers.
While on duty this month for We Push For Peace outside of a Cub in St. Paul, Miller beat a homeless man to the ground and kicked him in the head, according to a video of the confrontation from Minnesota Crime Watch.
The CEO of We Push For Peace said that Miller believed the man had shoplifted from Cub, which was why the incident began.
We Push For Peace employees generally buy shoplifters food from the grocery store if the issue seems to be that they are unable to afford food.
We Push For Peace told police they have never dealt with a violent situation like this at any of the locations they work at, according to a criminal complaint.
“He allowed his emotions to get the best of him,” CEO Trahern Pollard said, speaking about the former peace activist.
The Pioneer Press reported that Miller told police he asked the man to leave, and the man reacted violently, attempting to attack Miller, who then acted in self-defense.
“I don’t care if you’re homeless, or any of that, at that moment my life was on the line,” Miller said, according to a criminal complaint.
Miller has now been charged with felony fifth degree assault for beating the homeless man, according to Crime Watch Minneapolis.
Miller’s criminal record shows a violent history of assault and aggravated robbery across several counties in Minnesota. Each of his felony convictions were stayed, Crime Watch said.
Miller does not appear to be in custody or to have a lawyer.
Police found the victim the day after the incident to check up on him. The man was treated for his injuries at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Crime Watch said in a tweet.
Rose Williams
Rose Williams is an assistant editor for Alpha News.
