The NYPD charged the popular Twitch streamer and social media influencer, Kai Cenat with inciting a riot and other charges after a giveaway he set up prior turned south in Union Square and became out of control Friday afternoon.
According to an IGN article, who got their information by NBC New York said, “Cenat had been promoting a “HUGE GIVEAWAY” on his channels for 4 pm ET in Union Square Park, with promises of free PlayStation 5s and other gaming items.” Before the event started, crowds already began to form prior with people climbing onto cars, buildings, and throwing city objects.
Cenat streamed the event, only for it to be cut short after realizing the amount of people, who gathered in Union Square and quickly swarmed him and his team. Due to this swarm of people trying to meet the streamer, Cenat was escorted away, but the mob followed him, even up to the car he allegedly was in. Dexerto, who one of many outlets also reported on this event, said, “Fans of his could be seen clinging to the car that Kai Cenat was allegedly driving away in, and the vehicle didn’t stop despite several people hanging onto the car. People could be seen falling off as the car sped away.”
A video on social media was making its rounds that one of Kai’s closest friends, Duke Dennis, was detained by Police Officers.
More NYPD officers soon arrived to stop the chaos but were soon attacked by the crowd. According to ABC News and the NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, “People ran through the streets and some were seen jumping on cars and a city bus. Some people took objects from a construction site in Union Square, including plywood, shovels and axes.” RIOT officers soon arrived with Riot gear to control the crowd further.
In total, around one thousand officers were called to stop and control the mayhem as well as calling in a Level 4 mobilization, which is the highest level of mobilization. Along with this, Police made 65 arrests, with half being juveniles including detaining Kai Cenat. Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said to reporters after being asked if any action would be taken against the influencer, and the Chief responded with a firm, “absolutely.”
We’re in contact with the influencer. I have our legal team here. I’m going to have a discussion with our commissioner… and then we’ll make a decision there.
Hundreds of people sustained injuries, including NYPD officers, but non-life threatening. Even the Chief sustained injuries as he told reporters later that he was in the thick of it. Cenat was later released after being charged with inciting a riot, unlawful gathering, and a few other charges.
In terms of how this could have turned out differently, ABC explains in their article that “…an NYPD official believed Cenat had PlayStation 5s to hand out to the crowd, as well as other stuff. The event could have turned out differently if Cenat had a permit and notified police of the event ahead of time to avoid a mess like this.”