On Friday, a well-known social media streamer found himself facing charges of inciting a riot after an event he organized at Manhattan's Union Square Park, intended to distribute video game consoles, turned chaotic, attracting a crowd of several thousand young individuals.
Apart from the riot charge, Kai Carlo Cenat III, the livestreamer in question, is expected to face charges of unlawful assembly and potentially other offenses, as stated by Jeffrey Maddrey, the Chief of Department of the Police Department, during a news conference.
The incident, which commenced shortly after 3 pm and concluded by 6 pm, resulted in 65 arrests, injuries to both police officers and individuals within the crowd, as well as damage to food carts, police vehicles, and nearby stores, according to officials.
Chief Maddrey, speaking amidst a plaza strewn with trash, expressed the lack of control during the event, acknowledging the time it took to regain control. He also highlighted the unfortunate injuries sustained by numerous young people. Two news conferences were held following the clearance of the park.
Mr. Cenat, along with another streamer named Fanum, had publicized their intention to distribute PlayStation 5 consoles at the park at 4 pm. Both individuals are affiliated with the streaming group AMP, which boasts a large fan base on YouTube and Twitch. Notably, Mr. Cenat's YouTube channel has amassed over 3. 6 million followers.
Chief Maddrey stated that the event was impromptu and organized without a city permit. The police became aware of the gathering through a social media post around midday, he added. By 3 pm, the post had rapidly gained widespread attention, becoming viral.
According to Chief Maddrey, the event experienced an exponential and rapid growth, quickly attracting a massive crowd.
Soon, swarms of young individuals filled the park, overflowing onto the adjacent streets and sidewalks, causing disruptions by blocking cars and pedestrians. The renowned Union Square Greenmarket had to close prematurely, and subway trains started bypassing the Union Square station.
News ID : 2348