An event organized Friday afternoon by a popular Twitch content creator ended up causing chaos in New York City and resulted in multiple arrests and injuries.
The well-known streamer, Kai Cenat, invited his followers to come to Union Square Park at 3:30 p.m. because he planned to give away computers, video game consoles, microphones and gift cards, among other surprises.
The influencer, who has more than 20 million followers on the Twitch platform, hosted the impromptu event and did not have city permits.
#BreakingNews Thousands of people have overrun Union Square Park and surrounded lanes of traffic Friday as a popular Twitch streamer held a video game giveaway. https://t.co/DXxj4yGLrC pic.twitter.com/AS0zyZdy9H
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) August 4, 2023
The authorities explained that they did not know about the meeting until they saw that a large number of people had started to gather. "The crowd was swarmed when the influencer finally arrived," Police Department Chief Jeff Maddrey said in a news conference.
The problems started when some "individuals in the park began to commit acts of violence towards the police and the public" by throwing stones, bottles and other objects.
🚨#BREAKING: Twitch streamer Influencer Giveaway Sparks a massive Riot in Union Square park
Right now, a huge riot is currently happening at Union Square Park in Manhattan, New York. Hundreds of young teens and adults have gathered after a Twitch live… pic.twitter.com/6WynfWFlDB
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) August 4, 2023
More than 1,000 police officers were called to respond to the riots, but the event descended into total chaos. "I personally observed young people walking out with their heads- bleeding from their heads, bleeding from on their faces. I personally observed young people having panic attacks, anxiety attacks, asthma attacks. People were suffering out here. It was a lot of people, it was uncontrolled, it took us awhile to get it under control, and a lot of young people got hurt," Maddrey reported.
Reports indicate that nearly two dozen people were arrested, the influencer remains in custody, and possible legal action to be taken against him is being discussed. The influencer was released that same day after remaining in custody, as can be seen in a video by reporter Kristie Keleshian:
Cenat faces several charges including at least 2 counts of inciting a riot & unlawful assembly.
@KaiCenat faces several charges including at least 2 counts of inciting a riot & unlawful assembly pic.twitter.com/ABBuecLEzF
— Kristie Keleshian (@KristieKNews) August 5, 2023
