Popular Twitch streamer and content creator Kai Senat will not be charged in connection with the giveaway-turned-riot he caused in Union Square Park last summer, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Tuesday. did.
Bragg’s office issued a public apology after his live streamer issued a public apology and demanded more than thousands of dollars in damages for the Aug. 4, 2023, riot in a Manhattan park. Charges against Senat, 22, were dropped.
Cenat, who has more than 10 million followers on Instagram, Twitch, and Tiktok, announced that he would be hosting a PS5 video game console giveaway at the park, even though he did not have permission.
A large group of young fans gathered for presents, which quickly turned into destructive and violent behavior.
Fans are said to have scuffled with each other, smashed car windows, thrown rocks and fireworks at others, and assaulted police officers.
Video shows rioters throwing cones, trash cans and bottles at each other, as well as innocent passersby and responding police officers.
After nearly three hours of chaos, police arrested 65 people, including 30 juveniles.
Mr. Senat had been charged with two counts of inciting a riot and one count of unlawful assembly, but the district attorney’s office said he and others had paid more than $57,000 in restitution. has decided to drop all charges against two people (Denzel Dennis and Muktar Din). He compensated for the damage, cleaned up the area, and publicly apologized.
Cenat alone paid $55,000 to Union Square Partnership, Inc., according to the DA’s office.
The influencer posted a public apology on Snapchat.
“When we held the PS5 giveaway in Union Square Park, we intentionally created a dangerous situation by advertising and promoting it,” he said in a statement. “The result was a dangerous situation for those who live and work nearby, first responders, and my followers who attended the event.
“We apologize for the disruption and damage caused to our communities, parks, vehicles and businesses,” it added.
Bragg’s office said the case will be formally dismissed after 24 hours of public apologies on social media.
“It was never my intention for the situation to get so out of hand. While social media is a very powerful tool for doing good, it can also create dangerous and undesirable situations if not used properly. I learned a very valuable lesson that it is possible,” Cenat wrote.
