Current:Home > MarketsTwitch Streamer Kai Cenat Taken Into Police Custody at Massive New York Giveaway Event -CapitalTrack
Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat Taken Into Police Custody at Massive New York Giveaway Event
View
Date:2025-04-22 17:02:50
A Twitch streamer is facing legal trouble after his New York City giveaway event derailed into chaos.
Kai Cenat, who promised to gift video game consoles and other electronic devices to fans, was taken into police custody on Aug. 4 after a massive crowd formed in Manhattan's Union Square and pandemonium broke out, according to NBC News. The event attracted a "couple thousand people," police told NBC New York.
Cenat has not been charged for the incident.
However, the New York Police Department said in a press conference that, depending on its legal department's guidance, Cenat could be charged with inciting a riot. E! News has reached out to Cenat's rep for comment but hasn't heard back.
Cenat, 21, announced the giveaway on Aug. 2 on his Twitch social media page, where he has over six million followers. In the clip, which has amassed over two million views, Cenat said that he and a group of friends would drive to the park "in a big ass truck" to distribute PlayStation 5, PCs, headphones and more.
On the day of the event, Cenat filmed himself in a vehicle heading toward Union Square, holding up a stack of gift cards to the camera. However, upon peeking outside the car's windows and being told of the gathering crowd in the area, the influencer issued a warning to those watching on Twitch.
"I'm telling you, it's a lot of y'all out there right now," he said. "Everybody who is out there, make sure y'all are safe…We're gonna make sure this is safe. We not gonna do nothing until it's safe. We gotta make sure it's safe, everybody's good."
As he pulled up closer to the park, Cenat told followers to look out for themselves.
"I know y'all here with me, but what goes on from here on out, everybody for themselves," he said. "It's a war out there, man."
The camera filmed Cenat being pushed along the flow of the crowd, before the video eventually went blurry and offline. Once the video feed picked up back again, Cenat could be heard yelling to the crowd, "Be quiet. Hold on. Let's go over there. Y'all gotta make some space," before the video went dark again.
The NYPD said the giveaway was not coordinated with authorities, and that people sustained injuries due to the crowd. Police said a city bus full of people were arrested from the event.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (8597)
Related
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Fighting in southern Gaza city after Israel says it is pulling thousands of troops from other areas
- States and Congress wrestle with cybersecurity at water utilities amid renewed federal warnings
- Why isn't Jayden Daniels playing in ReliaQuest Bowl? LSU QB's status vs. Wisconsin
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Ian Ziering details 'unsettling confrontation' with bikers on New Year's Eve that led to attack
- 4 dead, 2 in critical condition after Michigan house explosion
- 16-year-old boy fatally stabbed on a hill overlooking London during New Year’s Eve
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Train derails and catches fire near San Francisco, causing minor injuries and service disruptions
Ranking
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Basdeo Panday, Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister of Indian descent, dies
- 'AGT: Fantasy League' premiere: Simon Cowell feels 'dumped' after Mel B steals skating duo
- Man surfing off Maui dies after shark encounter, Hawaii officials say
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Hack, rizz, slay and other cringe-worthy words to avoid in 2024
- Migrants dropped at New Jersey train stations to avoid New York bus restrictions, NJ officials say
- Somalia dismisses Ethiopia-Somaliland coastline deal, says it compromises sovereignty
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
How 1000-lb Sisters' Amy Slaton Addressed Rage With Ex Michael Halterman
Venezuela says troops will stay deployed until British military vessel leaves waters off Guyana
Sparks Fly as Travis Kelce Reacts to Taylor Swift's Matching Moment
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Pakistan human rights body says an upcoming election is unlikely to be free and fair
Ana Ofelia Murguía, Mexican actress who voiced Mama Coco in Pixar's 'Coco,' dies at 90
Planning to retire in 2024? 3 things you should know about taxes