Current:Home > reviewsTwitch Streamer Kai Cenat Taken Into Police Custody at Massive New York Giveaway Event -WealthPro Academy
Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat Taken Into Police Custody at Massive New York Giveaway Event
View
Date:2025-04-24 13:05:46
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! (84833)
Related
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Chelsea Houska Reveals Why Daughter Aubree May Not Inherit the Family Business
- Ex-Saints receiver Michael Thomas entering diversion in case stemming from arrest last fall
- Escaped white supremacist inmate and accomplice still at large after Idaho hospital ambush
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Maryland labor attorney becomes first openly gay judge on 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals
- Why Ryan Phillippe Is Offended by Nepotism Talk About His and Reese Witherspoon's Kids
- Megan Fox dishes on calling off engagement with 'twin soul' Machine Gun Kelly
- Eva Mendes Shares Message of Gratitude to Olympics for Keeping Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Private
- The Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady. Here's the impact on your money.
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- UK watchdog addressing data breach at hospital where Princess Kate had abdominal surgery
- Biden administration to invest $8.5 billion in Intel's computer chip plants in four states
- A Tennessee fisherman reeled in a big one. It turned out to be an alligator
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- A police officer was accused of spying for China. The charges were dropped, but the NYPD fired him
- Virginia House leaders dispute governor’s claim that their consultant heaped praise on arena deal
- A New Hampshire school bus driver and his wife have been charged with producing child pornography
Recommendation
Boy who wandered away from his 5th birthday party found dead in canal, police say
Alabama lawmakers advance expansion of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law
Prosecutor tells jury former Milwaukee official who requested fake ballots was no whistleblower
Atlanta man gets life in death of longtime friend over $35; victim's wife speaks out
Breaking debut in Olympics raises question: Are breakers artists or athletes?
Judge dismisses sexual assault suit brought by Chicago police officer against superintendent
Florida homeless to be banned from sleeping in public spaces under DeSantis-backed law
In Final Push to Get Climate Legislation Passed, Advocates Call for Bold Legislative Actions