Popular YouTube and Twitch personality Kai Cenat found himself in police custody after a riot erupted in New York City's Union Square during an unlicensed scheduled giveaway of Playstation 5s.
The chaotic scene resulted in 65 arrests, including 30 juveniles, as the NYPD worked to restore order. Cenat, known for his massive social media following, is now facing charges of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, among others, Daily Mail reported.
Riot at PS5 Giveaway in NYC
The incident sheds light on the power and dangers of social media as spontaneous events can quickly escalate into dangerous situations. Friday afternoon in Manhattan's Union Square Park was the setting for livestreamer Kai Cenat's much-anticipated meet-and-greet and Playstation 5 giveaway.
However, what started as a seemingly innocent event soon turned into mayhem. At around 3 p.m., members of the large crowd began tearing down construction barricades and throwing objects, including projectiles aimed at responding police officers.
As the chaos unfolded, Cenat's vehicle attempted to leave the scene, but the crowd swarmed around it. The vehicle moved slowly through the throngs of people, with individuals clinging to the sides and back.
Tragically, at least three people tumbled off the vehicle as it sped away, causing additional injury and commotion. At approximately 5 pm, police took Cenat into custody for questioning. It was revealed that he did not have the necessary permits or coordination with law enforcement for the event, according to CBS News.
YouTube Star Kai Cenat Faces Riot Charges
Subsequently, following the chaotic events at Union Square Park, the New York Police Department (NYPD) swiftly moved to take action against YouTube and Twitch personality Kai Cenat. Confirming their intentions, the authorities announced that Cenat would face at least two charges of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continued.
The severity of the situation prompted the NYPD to initiate a Level 4 mobilization, deploying approximately 1,000 officers to handle the escalating unrest. In a surprising revelation, it was noted that the initial responding officers were not equipped with riot gear, a decision that contrasted starkly with previous incidents, such as the George Floyd protests.
As the violence and aggression from the crowd intensified, officers were compelled to protect themselves and restore order, hastily donning helmets and shields. This escalation underscored the unpredictable nature of such events and how quickly they can spiral out of control.
The incident served as a glaring testament to the power and dangers of social media. The unlicensed PS5 giveaway, which was initially meant to be a celebratory meet-and-greet event, turned into a chaotic scene of uncontrollable crowds, leading to injuries and significant property damage.
The unplanned and spontaneous nature of the gathering underscored the challenge that law enforcement faces in addressing events organized through social media, where large numbers of people can quickly gather with little preparation or oversight.
Law enforcement officials were quick to emphasize the need to prevent such dangerous gatherings in the future while respecting the right of young people to enjoy themselves responsibly.
The incident in Union Square Park became a rallying point for discussions on how to balance entertainment and public safety, especially when social media influencers wield significant followings capable of mobilizing large crowds, as per Independent.
