By: David Yang
The popular online influencer, Kia Cenat, known for his presence on YouTube and Twitch with a massive following of 10 million on social media, is facing a range of charges, including inciting a riot and organizing an unlawful assembly.
Kia Cenat, a prominent Twitch streamer, made an announcement on his Instagram story about a giveaway involving PlayStation 5 consoles. Initially, only around 300 individuals had gathered, but by 3 p.m., news of the giveaway had rapidly spread. Within an hour, thousands of people swarmed Union Square. The crowd engaged in disruptive behavior such as leaping onto cars, dismantling barriers, and even targeting law enforcement with thrown objects. They proceeded to block streets and encircle one of New York’s busiest train stations. Disturbingly, some individuals were seen carrying tools like shovels and axes.
In response, the New York Police Department declared a “level four” mobilization, deploying approximately 1,000 officers to the scene. Eventually, Kia Cenat was removed from the park and taken into police custody around 5 p.m. for safety reasons. Jeffrey Maddrey, the highest-ranking uniformed officer of the New York Police Department, clarified that the event had not been coordinated with law enforcement.
The police arrested 65 individuals, including 30 children. Among those affected, two officers and four civilians required ambulance transportation to the nearest hospital. Additionally, one officer sustained a broken hand, and numerous individuals suffered from bruises and cuts on their bodies. Notably, even Jeffrey Maddrey himself was struck on the head during the chaotic events.
Approximately an hour later, the crowd was finally dispersed. Maddrey expressed, “While we have encountered similar situations in the past, the level of danger we witnessed today, with young people refusing to heed our commands, is unprecedented.”
The potency of social media has demonstrated its potential danger. Despite the entertainment value, the gathering quickly escalated from 300 participants to thousands within minutes, causing significant challenges for law enforcement. Maddrey emphasized the need for responsible use of social media tools.
Maddrey further conveyed, “Let me be clear, we do not oppose young people having fun or assembling. However, the level of risk posed by such gatherings cannot reach these dangerous heights. Today, numerous individuals sustained injuries.”
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