Social Media Influencer Charged with Inciting Riot and Unlawful Assembly in New York City Giveaway Event
New York City was thrown into chaos on Friday as thousands of people gathered in Union Square for a giveaway event organized by social media influencer Kai Cenat. The event quickly spiraled out of control, resulting in dozens of arrests and several police officers injured.
Cenat, who boasts millions of followers on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch, announced during a Twitch stream on Wednesday that he would be hosting a “huge giveaway” in Union Square Park on Friday at 4 p.m. He promised to give away various items such as computers, Play Station 5s, microphones, keyboards, webcams, gaming chairs, headphones, and gift cards.
People began gathering at the park as early as 3 p.m., according to NYPD chief Jeffrey Maddrey. The crowd quickly grew from a few hundred to thousands, obstructing both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area. Maddrey described the situation as overwhelming, stating, “We went from 300 kids to a couple of thousands of kids in minutes.”
The massive crowds prompted the NYPD to activate a “Level 4″ response, the highest level of disaster response. Initially, a “Level 2” response was activated to handle the crowds and clear the area. However, as the crowd grew, individuals in the park began committing acts of violence towards the police and the public. Some attendees even took items from a nearby construction site, including shovels, axes, and other tools.
Cenat was eventually removed by the police for safety reasons. Maddrey revealed that the Twitch streamer had not alerted the police about the gathering or obtained a permit, leading to the event being declared an unlawful assembly. Several police officers were injured during the chaos, and numerous arrests were made as the police worked to disperse the crowd.
Maddrey expressed disappointment that more parents did not come to help break up the disorderly crowds. He emphasized that while the police had managed to clear the park, they were still monitoring crowds mulling around Manhattan.
Cenat has been charged with two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, among other charges. CNN has reached out to Cenat’s representatives for comment, but no response has been received so far.
Maddrey stressed that the authorities are not against young people having a good time or gathering, but events like this cannot reach dangerous levels. He stated, “A lot of people got hurt today.” He also highlighted the importance of influencers communicating with law enforcement before organizing events to ensure proper security measures are in place.
As the aftermath of the event continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of large gatherings organized by social media influencers. The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of influencers in ensuring the safety of their followers and the public during such events.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the number of juveniles arrested, according to police as of Friday night. It was 30.
CNN’s Artemis Moshtagian, Zenebou Sylla, and Laura Ly contributed to this report.
How did Cenat’s announcement on social media contribute to the escalation of the riot and the resulting Level 4 situation?
Olence and inciting a riot, prompting the escalation to Level 4. Several fights broke out, and police officers were pelted with objects including bottles and rocks.
According to authorities, Cenat’s announcement of the event on social media led to an overwhelming turnout, far surpassing what was expected. The giveaway event soon devolved into chaos, with people pushing and shoving to get closer to Cenat and the promised prizes.
Cenat, known for his extravagant giveaways and luxurious lifestyle showcased on his social media platforms, has now been charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly. The charges stem from his failure to control the crowds and the resulting violence that ensued.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio condemned Cenat’s actions, stating that his disregard for public safety and disregard for the law would not be tolerated. De Blasio also expressed his gratitude to the NYPD officers who worked to contain the situation and restore order.
In addition to the charges against Cenat, dozens of individuals who participated in the riot and engaged in violent behavior have been arrested. The NYPD is currently reviewing surveillance footage and social media posts to identify additional individuals involved in the disturbance.
The incident serves as a reminder of the power and influence that social media influencers hold over their followers. While many influencers use their platforms for positive purposes, such as raising awareness for charitable causes, events like this highlight the potential dangers when large crowds gather as a result of social media announcements.
City officials are now considering stricter regulations and permits for social media giveaways and events to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They are also urging social media platforms to exercise more responsibility in monitoring and managing content that could potentially incite violence or criminal behavior.
Meanwhile, Cenat’s followers and fans are expressing disappointment and disbelief over his involvement in the chaotic event. Many have unfollowed him and criticized his actions, questioning his integrity and the authenticity of his previous giveaways.
As the legal process unfolds and a thorough investigation is conducted, the aftermath of this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when social media influence is misused and the need for responsible behavior on these platforms.
Wow, this is truly outrageous! Kai Cenat should face severe consequences for inciting a riot and endangering the public’s safety during the giveaway event.
I can’t believe someone would put lives at risk just for a giveaway event. This is a clear example of irresponsibility and disregard for public safety. Kai Cenat needs to be held accountable for their actions.