Livestreamer Kai Cenat’s Meet-and-Greet Turned Into Chaos
Earlier in the day, Livestreamer Kai Cenat had posted on social media about the giveaway, which contributed to the massive turnout. He did not have a permit for the event and failed to preplan it with the authorities.
According to CBS News, with over 9 million combined followers on Twitch and other platforms, his post quickly went viral, drawing a large number of people to Union Square Park. The event attracted a large crowd, estimated to be in the thousands, who gathered for a chance to participate in the giveaway.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control around 3 p.m., as some individuals in the crowd began tearing down construction barricades and throwing objects, including items at responding police officers.
As the chaos escalated, a vehicle believed to be carrying Livestreamer Kai Cenat, tried to leave the scene but the crowd surrounded it causing a dangerous and tumultuous scene. Some people were seen falling off the vehicle as it sped away.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey explained that the situation grew increasingly violent, with some individuals storming a construction site and using construction equipment, paint cans, bottles, rocks, and more as weapons. Fireworks and flash bombs were also thrown during the chaos.
People were seen climbing on various structures, including the entrance roof of the Union Square subway station, statues, lamp posts, and cars.
In response to the escalating situation, the NYPD declared an unlawful assembly and attempted to disperse the crowd. They provided multiple warnings and opportunities for the crowd to leave peacefully before making arrests. However, the crowd refused to comply, leading to confrontations between them and the police.
Several officers sustained injuries during the incident, and some businesses had to lock their doors as the crowd ran through the area.
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Livestreamer Kai Cenat Arrested
Maddrey emphasized that the event was not preplanned and was a spontaneous gathering facilitated by social media. He stressed that while the police are not against people gathering and having a good time, such events must not escalate to dangerous levels, causing harm to individuals and property.
It took several hours for the police to disperse the crowd and clear the park after the chaos subsided. The Union Square subway station had to be bypassed due to the situation.
In conclusion, Livestreamer Kai Cenat’s meet-and-greet and giveaway event at Union Square Park turned into chaos, leading to his arrest and multiple charges related to inciting a riot and unlawful assembly.
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