- Twitch streamer Kai Cenat held a PlayStation giveaway in Union Square Park on Friday.
- Thousands showed up, prompting police to respond. Local media reported police made several arrests.
Kai Cenat, a hugely popular Twitch influencer, livestreamed the large crowd and chaos that erupted in New York City's Union Square Park on Friday as a result of the PlayStation giveaway he was hosting.
The New York City Police Department announced it was responding to the scene after thousands of people descended on the park. Cenat himself streamed the scene live to his Twitch channel. He did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeff Maddrey said during a press conference that the crowd swarmed when Cenat arrived, and that some individuals "began to commit acts of violence towards the police and the public." He said police were attacked and that some young people in the crowd were injured, resulting in blood on their faces and anxiety attacks.
"We're not against young people having a good time. We're not against young people gathering. But it can't be to this level where it's dangerous," he said. "A lot of people got hurt today."
Maddrey said some people in the crowd broke into a construction site at the park and began to throw items like paint cans, bottles, and rocks, while others were walking around with shovels and axes. He also said some people were lighting fireworks and throwing them at police and others.
NYPD made several arrests after the initial attempts to disperse the crowd were unsuccessful. They did not specify how many people had been arrested. Maddrey said officials were considering if any charges would be brought against Cenat, naming "inciting a riot" as an example of a potential charge.
Since joining Twitch in 2021, Cenat has skyrocketed to be one of the most popular and beloved influencers in the streaming world. His daily livestreams often feature animated reactions to viral and pop culture moments, and he's become known for his playful interviews with celebrities such as Ice Spice and Lil Baby on his YouTube channel.
Cenat has a fervid fanbase. Numerous fans have been seen freaking out when they spot him in real life, including one supporter who said it was his "dream" to meet Cenat. The crowd at The Rolling Loud festival went berserk when Cenat was brought out for a surprise performance by rapper NLE Choppa in late July.
NYPD could not immediately provide comment on the situation when reached by Insider.