Current:Home > MyInfluencer to be charged after chaos erupts in New York City's Union Square -FutureFinance
Influencer to be charged after chaos erupts in New York City's Union Square
View
Date:2025-04-26 10:47:02
Influencer and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat will be charged with at least two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly after thousands of people descended on Union Square in New York City Friday afternoon, police said.
The crowd was apparently responding to Cenat's promise of free PlayStations, sparking a chaotic scene and a massive police response.
The NYPD made 65 arrests and 30 of those arrested were juveniles, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said in a Friday evening briefing.
The event was "unpermitted" and "not sanctioned" and grew rapidly to 1000s of young people, who Maddrey said attacked officers instead of complying with orders to leave. The chief implored parents to step in.
"I had 1000s of kids out there, I needed 1000s of parents," Maddrey said. "When it gets to the point where it's disorderly, we want the parents to come and take control."
Maddrey said a 17-year-old was hospitalized from what was initially believed to be a gunshot wound, but it ended up being a firework injury.
NYPD officers arrived in droves to try to quell the mayhem, which erupted after a post by Cenat went viral around 3 p.m., and the officers soon found themselves under attack, according to Maddrey.
"We were crushed, we were pushed," Maddrey said.
The massive crowd caused the park and surrounding streets to become overcrowded. People ran through the streets and some were seen jumping on cars and a city bus. Some people took objects from a construction site in Union Square, including plywood, shovels and axes, according to Maddrey.
Police showed up in riot gear to disperse the crowd. A bus that was holding people in custody was attacked by others trying to pull individuals off the bus, according to Maddrey.
Fireworks set off in the crowd resulted in smoke and noise but police said they did not use any flash-bang devices and no shots were fired.
Maddrey called the gathering an "unlawful assembly" and "uncontrolled."
"We're not against young people having a good time, we're not against young people gathering, but it can't be to this level where it's dangerous," he said during a press briefing. "A lot of people got hurt today."
Some officers sustained injuries in the incident, Maddrey said, adding that he personally was hit with "multiple objects."
Six people were transported to area hospitals in connection with the incident, according to the FDNY.
MORE: Suspects arrested after 3 women attacked on Manhattan's West Side: Police
Dozens of people are now in custody and charges are pending against some of them, sources said. Additional arrests are still being made, Maddrey said.
NYPD has recovered evidence from social media that Cenat was out of his vehicle and interacting with the large crowd before he left Union Square, sources said.
Detectives are currently questioning Cenat but no determination has been made on whether charges will be filed, sources said.
MORE: Teen charged with murder as hate crime in killing of NYC dancer O'Shae Sibley: Sources
Cenat posted in an Instagram story, "Please be safe," while sharing news coverage of the incident.
"I love you guys to the fullest you guys are amazing," he said.
A woman shopping in the area with her baby took shelter in an ATM lobby during the mayhem.
"Everything was just bombarded with people," she told ABC New York station WABC.
"It was just hectic. The only thing I could think about was to keep my daughter safe," she said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams thanked police "for their quick work" in controlling the situation.
"I want our streets to be alive and full of joy. But they must be safe," he said on social media. "That's the most important thing."
ABC News' Mark Crudele, Josh Hoyos and Matt J. Foster contributed to this report.
veryGood! (735)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk Sets the Record Straight on Feud With Costar Tan France
- West Virginia lawmakers reject bill to expand DNA database to people charged with certain felonies
- Truly's new hot wing-flavored seltzer combines finger food and alcohol all in one can
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Noah Cyrus' Steamy Kiss With Fiancé Pinkus Is Truly Haute Amour at Paris Fashion Week
- Crystal Hefner Details Traumatic and Emotionally Abusive Marriage to Hugh Hefner
- Lights, Camera, Oscars: Your guide to nominated movies and where to watch them
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Herbert Coward, known for Toothless Man role in ‘Deliverance,’ dies in North Carolina highway crash
Ranking
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- Lions vs. 49ers NFC championship game weather forecast: Clear skies and warm temperatures
- Mississippi ballot initiative proposal would not allow changes to abortion laws
- How Kobe Bryant Spread the Joy of Being a Girl Dad
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- WWE's Vince McMahon accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former employee. Here are 5 lawsuit details.
- To help these school kids deal with trauma, mindfulness lessons over the loudspeaker
- Salty: Tea advice from American chemist seeking the 'perfect' cup ignites British debate
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Dominican judge orders conditional release of US rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine in domestic violence case
'Squatters' turn Beverly Hills mansion into party hub. But how? The listing agent explains.
Middle school students return to class for the 1st time since Iowa school shooting
Average rate on 30
Bud Light's Super Bowl commercial teaser features a 'new character' | Exclusive
Man denied bail in Massachusetts crash that killed officer and utility worker
Losing a job in your 50s is extremely tough. Here are 3 steps to take when layoffs happen.