Chaos unfolds at YouTuber's gaming giveaway event, prompting police response

04 August 2023 , 20:45

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Kai Cenat’s playstation giveaway causes riot of teens in Union Square (Image: CBS News WS)

Chaos was seen in New York this evening as a large crowd gathered in New York City's Union Square for a giveaway hosted by YouTibe star Kai Cenat, who has been charged with inciting a riot.

People were seen climbing on vehicles, while others could be seen pulling at construction barriers and throwing objects including at nearby police officers.

The 21-year-old Twitch streamer has been charged with two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, as well as other charges, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said at a press conference on Friday night. 65 people including 30 juveniles were detained.

NYPD issued a level four alert, which would allow up to 1,000 officers to be mobilised to the area. A spokesperson said there had been "numerous" arrests.

NYPD issued a level four alert (CBS News)

A video from the scene appeared to show Cenat being escorted away by police officers as fans watched in bewilderment. Repots indicate the online star did not have a permit for the event.

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One person was seen setting off a fire extinguisher and three people could be seen tumbling off a vehicle as it sped away. Smoke was also briefly visible at the scene.

Police officers yell at people to move on the the sidewalk. Authorities said 'numerous' arrest were made (AP)

Witnesses at the scene reported the nearby Wholefoods had evacuated people through the rear of the building as Cenat was reported to be giving away PlayStation consoles. Local news reports indicate the vehicle carrying Cenat leaving the scene as covered in people. Several videos shared on social media showed New Yorkers trying to dodge the commotion and chaos present in the busy area.

A person getting detained at Union Square (CBS News)

Footage showed heavy police presence and a barricade being created to keep the commotion in a zoned region. NYPD confirmed the incident and told people to "avoid the area" in an update issued on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. An estimated crowd of 2,000 people was reported to be present in the square. Multiple people were detained at the scene.

Robert Boyce, former NYPD Chief of Detectives, said to ABC that it is important to "understand that the streams of kids running away from people, they could create mayhem somewhere else, they have to be followed."

Twitch streamer Cenat landed in New York after visiting Japan to perform the giveaway. On his Instagram story, Cenat urged his followers to attend.

Cenat is reported to be in custody (AP)

He wrote: "F**k it, NYC! Tomorrow 8/4 Huge Giveaway At 14 ST Union Square Park 4:00 PM. BE THERE."

After chaos ensued, Cenat, who has 6.5million followers on Twitch, posted a video of himself surrounded by hundreds of fans.

The giveaway was due to begin at 4pm local time, but the park was reportedly full an hour before.

Benjamin Lynch