Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat—with millions of followers across a few major platforms—received a desk appearance ticket after his announcement of a giveaway sparked a riot in Union Square Park yesterday. That means he’s out of custody, but he’s been charged with two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, among other charges.
Police also ended up having arrested 65 people, including 30 juveniles, NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey said at a Friday night news conference.
The scene Cenat caused was most certainly sudden and unexpected. After saying during a stream that he’d give away (quite pricey) PlayStation 5 video game consoles at Union Square Park around 3:30 PM on Thursday, thousands came. They became unruly and violent when Cenat did not have the promised hardware, turning into a full-scale riot.
The NYPD said that the streamer did not get the required permits to hold the event and added that it was a dangerous situation. Thousands of cops responded to the scene.
“Listen, 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,” said Maddrey. “A lot of people got hurt today.”
