Union Square in New York has reportedly been “taken over” by teens and young adults after a streamer by the name of Kai Cenat hosted a giveaway of Playstation 5s.
Cenat, who has 5.5 million followers on Instagram, announced a giveaway on the platform scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday.
It’s unclear if anyone has been injured. Multiple NYPD officers are on the scene, trying to disperse the crowd.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid the area and to expect mass transit disruptions, saying on Twitter, “Due to police activity, avoid the area surrounding Union Square Park and use alternate routes. Expect a police presence in the area and residual traffic delays.”
The gathering has turned violent, as many have been seen fighting others and tearing down construction barricades.
Authorities have labeled the riot a level 4 mobilization, which means every available police officer across the city is responding.
Police were forced to hold up pieces of plywood and take cover behind cars as people threw objects at them, according to Eyewitness News.
Police have commandeered city buses to hold detained individuals.
ABC reporters have been mobbed by individuals while reporting the situation.
BREAKING: Mayhem as people gathered at Kai Cenat giveaway event at Union Square Park start throwing objects at police, level 4 mobilization requested in NYC
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 4, 2023
WATCH: Several people hold onto a vehicle fleeing NYC’s Union Squarepic.twitter.com/h31g8oif7O
— Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) August 4, 2023
BREAKING: Gaming streamer Kai Cenat announces giveaway at Union Square Park in NYC, sparking large riot; all available units requested pic.twitter.com/oQXiyZfVRY
— Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) August 4, 2023
