Chaos in Times Square
A Twitch streamer known as the ‘King of Twitch’ causes chaos in New York City’s Times Square as he announces an IRL (in real life) stream, leading to a stampede and unruly behavior that results in injuries and arrests.
Announcement and Crowd
Kai Cenat, who previously set the Twitch records for most concurrent viewers and longest time spent on the platform, makes the announcement on Instagram and Twitter, drawing thousands of fans. However, the overwhelming crowd causes traffic congestion and, as people attempt to reach Cenat and the giveaway location, leads to injuries and arrests.
Giveaway Uncertainty
Cenat, who wears a crown during his Twitch streams, announces an IRL stream on Instagram and Twitter. The Twitch streamer, who previously held the record for most concurrent viewers and spent the most continuous hours on the platform, claims he is giving away PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories.
However, it’s unclear whether he managed to give away the items. A witness claims Cenat planned to give away PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories, but it’s unclear whether he managed to do so. “People were trying to climb ladders, pushing, shoving – it was like a riot,” the witness tells the Daily Mail.
Video and Arrests
In the video below, an SUV presumed to carry Cenat speeds away with people clinging to it. At one point, several people fall, and the vehicle is seen driving with people hanging from it, causing some to fall and get injured. It’s uncertain whether Cenat was in the car.
Police later confirm Cenat is no longer in the area. “The suspect in question, Kai Cenati, is no longer in the area and is no longer a threat to the public,” NYPD chief James O’Neill says during a press conference. “Quite a few” arrests have been made, and Cenat is now in custody.
Sky News also reports that Cenat is now in custody after the event. “We have quite a few people in custody,” NYPD chief James O’Neill says. “We have Kai Cenati in custody in connection with this incident. He has been taken to a local precinct and is being questioned about the incident. We are considering all possible charges.”
Possible Charges and Apology
O’Neill later confirms that possible charges include inciting a riot. “We are working with the district attorney’s office to determine what, if any, charges will be brought as a result of this incident,” he says. “We are also planning to increase our social media monitoring to prevent this type of incident from happening again.”
In a separate press conference, NYPD deputy chief Vincent Giordano confirms “quite a few” arrests, including charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer.
“There’s a lot of false information out there right now,” Giordano says, claiming that police put Cenat on a bus to protect him. “That bus was used to put the arrested individuals on, not the suspect.”
In a video posted to Twitter, Cenat apologizes to fans and the police. “I’m sorry for all of this,” Cenat says. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I hope that you can get home safe. I’m sorry.”
