Kai Cenat told fans on Twitch that ‘we’re going crazy’ days before a gathering in NYC’s Union Square turned into a violent riot
Influencer Kai Cenat told millions of fans “we’re going crazy” just days before the Union Square riots.
The YouTuber warned that things could get “noisy” as he promoted his Manhattan PlayStation giveaway on streaming site Twitch.
The 21-year-old, who has 20 million online followers, said he picked Union Square because the event “would be shut down as soon as possible” if held at a busier New York landmark like Times Square.
He also seemed to foresee the chaos that would unfold later, adding, “Look, it’s a public space. So anything can happen, mate. Everything can happen.’
Cenat was released from police custody hours after he was arrested for inciting a riot that arrested 65 people and injured at least seven during terrifying scenes in Manhattan on Friday.
Influencer Kai Cenat told millions of fans on the streaming platform Twitch that ‘we’re going crazy’ just days before his gaming giveaway turned into a riot in Union Square
People film a male karate kicking the windows of a car parked near Union Square
Cenat, one of the most popular streamers on Twitch, along with fellow streamer Fanum, had announced a gaming giveaway at 4 p.m.
On the Twitch broadcast, he told his followers, “We make sure we have good protection and s***. You already know, we try to chill and s–t.
“All my New York n******, I fucking love you n****** to death,” he said. “But you’ll be n****** wild. Ya’ll n****** are animals, mate. Let’s be honest, mate. If you get n****** too excited, if there’s too much going on, n****** starts violating s***.
“That shit could end real quick, depending on how rowdy you get and stuff.”
He added: ‘Look, it’s a public space. So anything can happen, mate. Everything can happen.
“Make sure you hang out with someone. Just make sure you stop with a friend to make sure you’re good and not like that.
“New York is f***** insane, n—-r. But I need all my n****** from New York. We’re going crazy, mate.’
Cenat promised to hand out free PlayStation 5 consoles, computers, accessories and gift cards during the Twitch stream.
Police have said the influencer will be charged with multiple criminal offences, including at least two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful gathering.
He did not have a permit for the event, police added.
A rioter jumps onto the roof of a car while others film him
Large numbers of NYPD officers swarmed the plaza to try to disperse the crowd
Police set up barricades to control the crowd and made several arrests
The riot broke out in New York City’s Union Square after YouTuber Kai Cenat announced he would be handing out free PlayStation 5s at the landmark in downtown Manhattan
Cenat announced the giveaway along with video game streamer Fanum, but the pair were not licensed for the event, police said
Cenat was seen emerging from an SUV that pushed his way through the crowd and led his followers to a nearby truck with a clear back that contained boxes labeled PS5
Cenat had announced a giveaway on Instagram before the riot broke out on Friday
Cenat has been issued an admission ticket and is due to appear in court on August 18, the Manhattan district attorney’s office said Sunday.
Shocking photos and video of the riot shows broke out Friday among crowds of thousands in midtown Manhattan.
Some threw fire extinguishers while others pounded senselessly at cars parked in the street.
Cenat was seen emerging from an SUV, pushing his way through the crowd and leading his followers to a nearby truck with a clear back that contained boxes marked PS5.
Half of the audience followed the truck, the other half continued to follow the social media star. When the car reached 17th Street, it accelerated and drove away from the crime scene.
According to Eyewitness News, officers were forced to hold up pieces of plywood and take cover behind cars as people threw objects at them.
It is unclear when and why the mob turned violent.
Cenat and his friends reacted to the wild scene in a live stream that seemed to show they were enjoying the crowd.
“Look at this!” said Cenat, showing a photo of the crowd to the camera.
“They’re like in f****** unity, bro.”
The streamers responded to the wild scene in a live stream that appears to show them enjoying the crowd. Cenat (left) said: ‘Every man for himself, it’s war over there man’
Four men are seen handcuffed as the NYPD made their way to break up the riot
A woman in distress is led off the scene
Pictured is a woman being held captive during Friday’s unrest
He added: ‘Every man for himself, it’s a war out there man.’
On Saturday, the PR firm that works with Cenat apologized for the row.
In a statement that did not name Cenat, AMP Group claimed the company had hosted giveaway events before and had “never seen anything like it” in Union Square.
“Yesterday, members of AMP hoped to create a positive experience for fans and give back in appreciation of their support,” AMP Vice President Erica Tucker said in the statement.
“We recognize that our audience and influence are growing, and with that comes greater responsibility. We are deeply discouraged by the outbreak of disorderly conduct affecting innocent people and businesses and do not condone that conduct.”
“We apologize to all involved. We are fully cooperating with local authorities,” she said.