5-8-2023 (NEW YORK) A giveaway event organized by Twitch influencer Kai Cenat in Manhattan’s Union Square Park turned chaotic on Friday as thousands of his young fans flooded the area, resulting in assaults on police officers, damage to vehicles, and the chanting of profanities. Cenat, who boasts over 20 million Twitch followers, had planned to distribute PlayStation 5s, computers, microphones, and other gaming accessories during the real-life gathering that was scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
The specific location of the event was only announced shortly before Cenat’s arrival at the park, and no permit had been obtained, according to officials. Videos captured the 21-year-old livestreamer getting excited with his crew on a party bus before heading to the park, where he was immediately swarmed by thousands of cheering fans.
Within just thirty minutes, the crowd of a “couple thousand” turned violent, with participants hurling cones, bottles, rocks, and engaging in physical altercations. In the interest of Cenat’s safety, the NYPD swiftly escorted him out of the area. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey described the situation during a late Friday afternoon press conference, stating, “[The] NYPD became aware at about 1:30 p.m of a crowd forming in Union Square. It was quickly determined that an influencer was posting on social media about showing up to Union Square. He was encouraging all of his followers to come to the park. The crowd was swarmed when the influencer finally arrived at the park. Individuals in the park began to commit acts of violence towards the police and the public.”
The NYPD’s riot squad was called to the scene as the chaos spilled over into Lafayette and Bleecker streets. Police sources referred to the situation as a “full-on riot.” As a result, 65 people, including Cenat and 30 minors, were arrested on charges such as inciting a riot and unlawful assembly. Cenat was taken to an Upper East Side precinct for processing.
It remains unknown whether Cenat was able to carry out the planned giveaway amid the disorder. Three officers and four civilians sustained injuries during the incident. Aerial footage depicted the mob flooding the streets, with some teenagers using barricades to block the police. They threw objects such as bottles, eggs, and construction equipment while shouting obscenities directed at law enforcement.
Two teenagers were also accused of hurling garbage cans at police officers on East 10th Street off Broadway. Some individuals wielded axes and shovels, and Maddrey confirmed that fireworks were being thrown at police and other attendees.
New York City Has Become One of The Most Violent Places on Earth Because Woke Leadership Refuses To Hold Criminals Accountable! pic.twitter.com/pvqbXffSPO
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) August 4, 2023
Videos captured the young rioters screaming and climbing on vehicles, with one individual seemingly using the sharp end of an umbrella to damage a parked car. Reporters from The Washington Post witnessed participants throwing a desk lamp and parking cones at police officers as they attempted to restore order. Maddrey stated that several officers were injured and hospitalized, although the exact number was unclear.
“It was a very dangerous situation,” Maddrey recounted. “We were in there, we were crushed, we were pushed. I had officers on the floor. I was hit with multiple objects as well. I think I have a couple of injuries, but I’ll figure that out when I have time to think about it.”
JUST IN: Kai Cenat has been taken into custody after New York City riot. pic.twitter.com/x7IjoHiGYw
— AlphaFo???? (@Alphafox78) August 4, 2023
Kai Cenat, Fanum, And Duke Dennis After The Giveaway???? pic.twitter.com/RJwGfpQzN6
— ????̷????̷????̷ ???? (@Theylovelus) August 4, 2023
