NEW YORK, N.Y. — A popular internet streamer was arrested Friday night and charged with inciting a riot after thousands of people swarmed New York streets in response to a free video game giveaway.
On Wednesday, Kai Cenat reportedly told followers on his Twitch stream that he would be hosting a “huge giveaway” of PlayStation 5’s, webcams, gift cards and more from a truck Friday at 4 p.m. in Union Square Park, reported NBC News.
Cenat currently has more than 10 million followers on his social media platforms combined.
Several hundred people arrived at the event an hour before it was scheduled to begin. By 4pm, NYPD chief Jeffrey Maddrey said at a conference that “We went from 300 kids to a couple of thousands of kids in minutes.”Within hours.
Some of the people who came to the event took items from a nearby construction site and used shovels, axes, and other tools to damage property and cause violence. As the crowd grew, the situation became more chaotic, said Maddrey.
NYPD activated a Level 4 response, its highest level of disaster response due to the situation.
Police said officers took Cenat away from the gathering for safety reasons.
While some people engaged in violence, others danced and recorded the spectacle.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also said he believes “outside influencers” may have tried to aggravate the situation.
“You don’t come to get free Gameboy’s and bring smoke bomb0,s and bring M-80s,” said Adams.
Police said 65 people were arrested, including 30 juveniles.
Chef Maddrey said that Kai Cenat allegedly did not have a permit, and he needed to communicate with the proper channels and law enforcement before the event.
Cenat was charged with two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly that could result to a maximum 10 year sentence. His charges did not require bail, and he was released Friday night.
Cenat is due back in court for his arraignment.
More about the arrest and giveaway can be found here.
Falisha McGee is a Contributing Editor covering health and entertainment for BLK News Now! She is an activist and blogger who is passionate about the progress of Black Americans. She is also an avid supporter of Black women’s health and well-being. She can be reached at Falisha@BLKNewsNow.com.