A riot has erupted with hundreds of young people clashing in New York City's Union Square after YouTubers Kai Cenat and Fanum promised to give out free Play Station 5s to the crowd.
Videos and photos from the scene show hundreds of people gathered in the square and there have been reports of youths fighting and throwing fire extinguishers.
Social media influencer Kai Cenat is charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly after thousands-strong crowds gathered in Union Square in New York City for a giveaway, leaving dozens of people arrested and several police officers injured.
A number of NYPD officers were at the scene and were trying to disperse the crowd. There were reports that police had requested additional units after cops were forced to hide behind squad cars as the crowd threw projectiles at them.
Kai Cenat announced the giveaway earlier today to his 5.5 million Instagram followers. It was slated for 4pm Friday. He posted an image captioned "on the way" shortly before the riot erupted.
"Due to police activity, avoid the area surrounding Union Square Park & use alternate routes. Expect a police presence in the area and residual traffic delays," the NYPD tweeted urging people to avoid the area.
Reports from the scene said that people were throwing objects and tearing up construction barriers. At least one was seen setting off a fire extinguisher.
People climbed on top of the roof of Union Square subway station, according to a report by CBS. Cenat said he would be giving out gaming merchandise including PCs, gift cards and gaming chairs.
The streamers reacted to the scene in a live stream with Cenat saying: "Look at this! They standing like in f****** unity, bro."
He added: "Everybody for themselves, it's a war out there man."
Police arrested 65 people, including 30 juveniles, NYPD chief Jeffrey Maddrey said at a Friday night news conference. He noted that he saw young people injured in the crowd as well as police officers.
Cenat has been charged with two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, among other charges, the chief said.
