Social media star in custody after giveaway draws huge crowds to Union Square in New York City

NEW YORK — The New York Police Department took social media star Kai Cenat into custody Friday after large crowds gathered in Union Square for a giveaway, according to a law enforcement source.

Cenat, who has over 4 million followers on YouTube, over 5 million on Instagram, and 6.5 million on Twitch, said during a Wednesday Twitch stream that he would be hosting a "huge giveaway" Friday at 2 p.m. MT in Union Square.

In the stream, he said they would be giving away computers, PlayStation 5s, microphones, keyboards, webcams, gaming chairs, headphones and gift cards from a truck in Union Square. "I feel like New York really deserves it," he said.

The crowds spurred the NYPD to activate a "Level 4" response, its highest level of disaster response. The department earlier announced that it had activated a "Level 2" response to handle the crowds and clear the area.

Cenat said during his Wednesday stream that attendees would be able to win prizes by correctly answering "random questions" related to YouTube and streaming. "If you get it right, boom, you get a PS5, just like that," he said.

Cenat streamed live on Twitch on Friday for some portion of the event, posting video from the crowd. In one video seemingly posted from inside the truck, he described the chaotic gathering, saying, "It's everybody for themselves. It's a war out there." He also described the heavy police presence.

Friday afternoon, the influencer posted a picture to his Instagram story showing news coverage of the crowds along with the message, "I love you guys to the fullest you guys are amazing."

"Stay safe," he added.

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