Social media influencer Kai Cenat has been charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly after a massive crowd gathered in Union Square in New York City for a giveaway event. The gathering resulted in dozens of arrests and several police officers being injured.
Cenat, who has millions of followers on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch, announced during a Twitch stream that he would be hosting a ”huge giveaway” in Union Square Park on Friday at 4 p.m. He mentioned that they would be giving away various items such as computers, Play Station 5s, microphones, keyboards, webcams, gaming chairs, headphones, and gift cards from a truck in the park.
People started gathering at the park around 3 p.m., according to NYPD chief Jeffrey Maddrey. The crowd quickly grew from a few hundred to thousands, obstructing traffic and causing chaos in the area. The NYPD had to activate a “Level 4” response, their highest level of disaster response.
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 and axes. Fireworks were also being lit and thrown towards the police and each other.
Cenat was removed by the police for safety reasons. It was later revealed that he had not alerted the police about the gathering or obtained a permit, leading to the event being declared an unlawful assembly.
During a news conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his belief that “outside influencers” may have attempted to aggravate the situation. He emphasized that the incident is not solely a policing issue but also a parenting issue.
Several police officers were injured during the chaos, and a significant number of people were arrested as the police worked to disperse the crowd. Maddrey, who was hit with multiple objects, expressed his disappointment that more parents did not come to help break up the disorderly crowds.
A total of 65 people, including 30 juveniles, were arrested. 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.
Maddrey stressed that while the crowd had dispersed from the park, the police were still monitoring crowds in Manhattan.
Influencers like Cenat are advised to communicate with law enforcement before hosting events to ensure proper security measures are in place. This includes setting up barriers and bringing extra officers to maintain order.
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 Mallika Kallingal, Celina Tebor, Nic F. Anderson, Artemis Moshtagian, Zenebou Sylla, and Laura Ly contributed to this report.
What steps should social media influencers take to ensure the safety and responsible use of their platforms, considering their power to influence and mobilize large groups of people
N the crowd began to engage in destructive behavior, including throwing objects, fighting, and vandalizing nearby businesses. The situation escalated into a full-blown riot, with the police attempting to disperse the crowd using non-lethal methods such as tear gas and rubber bullets.
A total of 36 people were arrested, including Cenat himself, who was charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly. Several police officers were injured during the chaos, although none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Cenat’s announcement of the giveaway on his social media platforms is believed to be the catalyst for the massive turnout. His popularity and influence on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch drew thousands of people to Union Square, all hoping to get their hands on the promised free items.
This incident serves as a reminder of the power and influence that social media influencers hold. In this case, the combination of Cenat’s massive following and the lure of free items created a perfect storm that resulted in chaos and criminal activities. It also highlights the responsibility influencers have to consider the potential consequences of their actions and the need for them to use their platform responsibly.
The NYPD is now reviewing footage and social media posts to identify other individuals involved in the riot and to further investigate the incident. They are also urging anyone with information to come forward, as they seek justice for the officers injured and the businesses affected by the violence.
This incident should serve as a wakeup call for both influencers and their followers. While giveaways and events can be fun and exciting, it is essential to prioritize safety and consider the potential impact of such gatherings. Social media influencers should also be mindful of their words and actions, as they have the ability to influence and mobilize large groups of people, as seen in this case.
Wow, I can’t believe someone would stoop so low for gaining followers and attention. It’s disappointing to see people using their influence for illegal activities.
This is a clear example of how greed and unethical behavior can tarnish the reputation of social media influencers. It’s crucial to prioritize integrity over mere popularity.