An influencer’s fried chicken giveaway sparked a violent 3,000-strong stampede in Paris and saw riot cops called in to clear the huge crowds.
To mark the opening of its new restaurant in Châtelet-Les Halles on Saturday, Asian fast-food chain Krousty Sabaidi partnered with influencer Fares Salvatore for a ‘back-to-school’ event.
As part of the giveaway, the restaurant was set to distribute 1,000 free Krousty – a dish consisting of rice and fried chicken – and was promoted by the public figure who has over 3.4million followers on Snapchat, and more than 483,000 on Instagram.
But what was supposed to be a commercial event in the heart of the French capital, turned into an urban riot when around 3,000 descended upon the area.
Footage of the event posted to social media showed dramatic scenes of people storming through crowds, while fights broke out among the locals.
Clashes erupted between groups of youths and police officers, who had been called in an attempt to control the wave of people – some of whom were throwing projectiles.
French riot police were forced to use tear gas and erect security barriers in their desperate efforts to dissolve the crowds.
According to Le Figaro, two individuals, taking advantage of the chaos to commit robberies, were arrested by officers on site.
What was supposed to be a sensational commercial event in the heart of the French capital, turned into an urban riot when around 3,000 descended upon the area
French riot police were forced to use tear gas and erect security barriers in their desperate efforts to dissolve the crowds
According to figures provided by the police, ‘around 3,000 people’ were present
The fried chicken giveaway was promoted by Fares Salvatore who has over 3.4million followers on Snapchat, and more than 483,000 on Instagram
Three of the most aggressive event-goers were apprehended and taken into custody, but miraculously, no injuries were reported.
Contacted by the French newspaper, the police headquarters (PP) confirmed the presence, of a ‘compact crowd composed of a rather young public gathered outside a restaurant following the announcement of the arrival of an influencer in the establishment.’
According to figures provided by the police, ‘around 3,000 people’ were present.
‘As this event did not have any authorisation and in view of the public order disturbance caused by a large crowd that the security agents were unable to manage, the organiser canceled the event,’ continued the police source.
Following the drama, the Krousty Sabaidi restaurant took to TikTok to thank the police for their efforts in controlling the unexpected situation.
‘Dear customers, dear friends, today, at 4pm, a festive event was to be held in our restaurant Krousty Sabaidi Châtelet (Paris), in the presence of the influencer Fares Salvatore and the troupe Influence Games. This instant was a moment of sharing, joy and conviviality,’ they wrote.
‘From the first hours, we have been extremely affected by the enthusiasm of the public: the attendance has greatly exceeded all in the forecasts, causing a massive influx and crowd movements in front of our establishment. In a security concern and in the strict respect of the instructions imposed by the prefecture, we have to cancel the event.
Footage of the event posted to social media showed dramatic scenes of people storming through crowds, while fights broke out among the locals
Clashes erupted between groups of youths and police officers, who had been called in an attempt to control the wave of people
The clashes were denounced on social media by politicians, particularly the far right
Three of the most aggressive event-goers were apprehended and taken into custody, but miraculously, no injuries were reported
‘We had planned a consequent name of security agents because the protection of each of you, of our collaborators and that of the passers-by is an absolute priority for us.
‘We would like to thank the security services and the police forces for their support and responsiveness, thanks to a quick and coordinated management, the situation can be contained without major incident.
‘We had planned to offer you 1,000 Krousty to celebrate this day. To honour our engagement, we keep this promise that we communicate to you at a later moment.
‘We would like to express all our gratitude to those who have moved and have been patient on site. Your presence and your enthusiasm will give us the right to our hearts and we remember how much our community is soudée.
‘We thank you for your understanding and see you very soon for new moments of sharing, always in joy and safety.
‘Thanks to Fares and the entire Influence Games team for their benevolence and doing everything to ensure your safety. With all our consideration, The Krousty Sabaidi team’.
The clashes were denounced on social media by politicians, particularly the far right.
Matthieu Valet, a former police officer and now a member of the European Parliament for the National Rally (RN), congratulated the police ‘who arrested thugs determined to fight, going so far as to throw projectiles and sow chaos in the streets.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .