2023 Union Square riot

2023 Union Square riot
2023 Union Square riot
Part of riots and civil unrest in the history of the United States
	Crowd awaiting the arrival of Kai Cenat at Union Square, Manhattan
Date	August 4, 2023 ; c. 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (UTC−4)
Location	Union Square, Manhattan, New York; 40°44′9″N 73°59′28″W / 40.73583°N 73.99111°W
Parties
Any Means Possible Supporters of Kai Cenat;	Law enforcement New York Police Department; Metropolitan Transportation Authority;
Lead figures
	Kai Cenat; Fanum; Duke Dennis; Agent00; Jeffrey Maddrey;
Casualties
Injuries	7
Arrested	65
Charged	1 (Kai Cenat; charges later dropped)

On August 4, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., American Internet personality Kai Cenat was meant to hold a giveaway of gaming-related items in New York City's Union Square, without a permit. He had posted several announcements a few days prior, stating that his partners Fanum, Duke Dennis, and Agent00 would be with him. Anyone who could properly answer questions related to YouTube and live streaming would be given a prize. The event, which drew thousands of participants to Union Square Park, became a riot. Social media posts of the event surfaced around the same time. During the riot, 7 people were injured, and 65 people, including 30 minors, were arrested. The neighborhood's subway station and surrounding stores closed during the incident.

Cenat was taken into police custody by the New York City Police Department during the riot and was charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly. These charges were dropped by the Manhattan district attorney's office once he paid $55,000 in restitution. He appeared in court on August 16 and 18. His business partners at Any Means Possible apologized for the riot. Cenat also apologized in a live stream on August 9. The incident led to discussion and debate^{[among whom?]} about the influence of Internet personalities.