Social media influencer Kai Cenat faces charges of inciting riot after thousands cause mayhem in NYC

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Kai Cenat, a well-known social media influencer, is now facing legal consequences for allegedly encouraging a riot and unauthorized assembly in New York City. The internet personality, who gathered thousands of followers with the allure of electronic giveaways including a PlayStation, ended up creating a chaotic scene. Several individuals, including teenagers, were involved in reckless activities like jumping on vehicles, hurling objects, and fighting, resulting in dozens of arrests.

Cenat was briefly held by the police and was released on Saturday with a desk appearance ticket, requiring him to appear in court on Aug. 18 to respond to the charges. The incident at Union Square on Friday afternoon has intensified discussions about the significant influence social media personalities hold over their audiences.

Mayor Eric Adams commented on the situation, emphasizing that the upbringing of children should not be left to social media.

The police reported a total of 65 arrests, including 30 minors, and several injuries were sustained in the incident. At least four people required ambulance services. Adams praised the police’s restraint in handling the turbulent situation without any loss of life or substantial property damage.

Cenat, aged 21, is a prolific video creator with a massive following on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. His content includes daily vlogs, pranks, and other comedy bits, and he was named streamer of the year at the 12th annual Streamy Awards. Attempts to contact Cenat’s representatives were not immediately successful.

As the event unfolded, Cenat live-streamed on Twitch, showing the gift cards he intended to distribute and urging safety among the attendees. The situation quickly escalated as he and his entourage moved into the park, where an excited crowd surrounded him.

NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey explained that Cenat was eventually removed from the scene “for his safety.” Aerial footage showed the crowd’s chaos, with teenagers engaging in destructive behavior like throwing objects, vandalizing cars, and climbing on city buses.

One witness, 19-year-old Skylark Jones, compared the scene to a film as the police arrived in riot gear. Jones was among those hoping to participate in the giveaways, only to find the scene already out of control.

Three officers were injured in the mayhem, according to Maddrey, who stated that although they were not against young people gathering and having fun, the dangerous level of this event was unprecedented. He emphasized that it cannot reach such a hazardous level where people get injured, reflecting on the many who were hurt on that day.

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