New York City, NY - Chaos erupted in Manhattan's Union Square on Friday as thousands of people gathered in anticipation of an internet personality's video game console giveaway. Kai Cenat, a popular influencer with 6.5 million followers on Twitch and 4 million subscribers on YouTube, was detained by the New York Police Department (NYPD) amidst the mayhem. Police are considering potential criminal charges, including inciting a riot.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control as the tightly packed crowd surged, climbing on vehicles, throwing chairs, and engaging in physical altercations. Aerial TV news footage captured the scene as shouting teenagers vandalized cars, pounded on city buses, and created a tumultuous environment.
Prior to the chaos, Cenat had promoted the giveaway on his Instagram feed, attracting a large number of eager participants. The crowd, expecting computer livestreaming equipment and a new PlayStation, grew exponentially, leading to traffic blockages and confrontations with the NYPD.
Kai Cenat, 21, is a prominent video creator with millions of followers on Twitch and YouTube. His engaging content and livestreams have garnered massive viewership and recognition, including winning Streamy Awards' Streamer of the Year in 2022.
Amidst the crowd and heightened police presence, Cenat urged everyone to stay safe before proceeding with the event. "Everybody who’s out there, make sure y’all safe ... We’re not gonna do nothin’ until it’s safe," Cenat conveyed, as captured in live-streaming footage from his vehicle.
However, the situation escalated, leading to his removal from the scene for safety reasons. Videos posted on social media and captured from news helicopters show the influencer being lifted over a fence and placed into a police vehicle as authorities attempted to restore order.
As investigations continue, the incident highlights the challenges of organizing large-scale events and underscores the need for responsible influencer engagement with their followers. Authorities will be closely scrutinizing the events that transpired to determine any potential legal consequences.
Original Source: The Guardian
