Current:Home > InvestTwitch Streamer Kai Cenat Taken Into Police Custody at Massive New York Giveaway Event -TradeWisdom
Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat Taken Into Police Custody at Massive New York Giveaway Event
View
Date:2025-04-17 20:43:05
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! (99852)
Related
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $400 Shoulder Bag for Just $89
- Virginia Johnson on her time at Dance Theatre of Harlem: 'It was love'
- 2 killed in Chile airport shootout during attempted heist of over $32 million aboard plane from Miami
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing and listening
- Books We Love: Mysteries and Thrillers
- Transcript: Christopher Krebs on Face the Nation, March 12, 2023
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Queen Latifah and Billy Crystal are among the 2023 Kennedy Center honorees
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- 3 women missing in Mexico after crossing from Texas on trip
- When Whistler's model didn't show up, his mom stepped in — and made art history
- Gwen Stefani Shares Rare Photos of Son Apollo in Sweet Birthday Tribute
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- James Cameron says the Titan passengers probably knew the submersible was in trouble
- Universal Studios might have invoked the wrath of California's Tree Law
- House votes 419-0 to declassify intelligence on COVID-19 origins, sending bill to Biden's desk
Recommendation
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
A Shopping Editor's Must-Haves Under $55 From Kim Kardashian's SKIMS
Facing book bans and restrictions on lessons, teachers are scared and self-censoring
Khloe Kardashian Has the Perfect Response to Critical Comment About Tumor Removal Bandage
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
'It's not over yet': Artists work to keep Iran's protests in view
Will There Be a Parent Trap 2? Lisa Ann Walter Reveals Whether She’s Down
The Sweet Ways Heather Rae and Tarek El Moussa Celebrated One Month With Son Tristan