Prominent YouTuber Kai Cenat, boasting millions of followers, recently sent New York City into a frenzy. Last Friday, around 1:00 PM local time, Cenat announced on his social media platforms that he would be hosting a fan meetup in New York's bustling Union Square Park, complete with a generous giveaway of 300 PS5s.
The news spread like wildfire. In less than two hours, hundreds had swarmed one of New York's busiest streets, eager to meet the influencer and perhaps secure a coveted gaming console.
Kai Cenat at the Union Square
However, the enthusiastic turnout quickly escalated beyond expectations, catching the city's law enforcement off guard. Fans were seen climbing on cars, scaling roofs of train station entrances, and even hurling bottles at responding officers. In response to the chaotic scene, the New York Police Department (NYPD) declared a "Level 4" mobilization, deploying approximately 1,000 officers to manage the situation.
NYPD at the incident
NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey commented on the tumultuous event, saying that the police force had encountered similar situations in the past, but never of this dangerous magnitude. The young crowd blatantly disregarded NYPD's directives.
Watch live as NYPD executives brief the media on an ongoing incident in Manhattan. https://t.co/IZfhsMwPiC
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 4, 2023
In a recent development, authorities confirmed to the media that Kai Cenat has been charged with inciting a riot and organizing an unlawful assembly. He has received a notice to appear in court regarding these charges.
Source: The New York Times