Social media influencer Kai Cenat, known for his massive following on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch, has been charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly following a disastrous giveaway event at Union Square Park.
The trouble began after Cenat announced during a Twitch livestream on Wednesday that he would be hosting a “huge giveaway” on Friday at 4 p.m. in Union Square Park, where he promised to distribute computers, PlayStation 5s, microphones, keyboards, webcams, gaming chairs, headphones, and gift cards. Thousands of people started gathering at the park as early as 3 p.m., overwhelming the area and disrupting both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
As the crowd swelled, the New York Police Department (NYPD) declared a “Level 4” disaster response, its highest level, to handle the situation. The chaotic scene soon escalated as some attendees engaged in acts of violence toward the police and the public. Additionally, some individuals took items from a nearby construction site, further escalating tensions.
NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey reported that individuals in the crowd were seen brandishing shovels, axes, and other construction tools, while also setting off fireworks, endangering both the public and law enforcement. Several police officers were injured during the chaos, and a significant number of arrests were made as police attempted to disperse the crowd.
Cenat, who had not obtained the necessary permits or notified law enforcement about the gathering, was removed by the police for safety reasons. He has since been charged with two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, along with other charges. While some parents came to the park looking for their children, Chief Maddrey expressed the wish that more parents had come to help disperse the disorderly crowds. A total of 65 individuals, including 30 juveniles, were arrested during the incident.
During the giveaway event, Cenat live-streamed portions of the event on Twitch, where he expressed his concern about the chaotic gathering and the heavy police presence. He also posted pictures on his Instagram story showing news coverage of the event and urging his followers to stay safe. Chief Maddrey emphasized that authorities are not against young people having a good time or gathering, but public safety must be a priority. He called on influencers like Cenat to communicate with law enforcement before hosting events, allowing them to implement safety measures, set up barriers, and deploy additional officers. In the aftermath of this unfortunate event, New York City authorities will be taking steps to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety during large gatherings organized by social media influencers.