YouTuber Jake Paul charged in connection with Scottsdale riot

It was reported that the social media influencer unlawfully entered a Scottsdale Fashion Square mall and remained inside while it was closed.

Crowds were gathered on May 30 around the mall area before breaking into stores and the mall. Many of the walls were tagged with graffiti and merchandise was stolen. Numerous people were arrested following the incident and police recovered much of the stolen merchandise.

It was reported that the social media influencer unlawfully entered a Scottsdale Fashion Square mall and remained inside while it was closed.

On Thursday, local police confirmed that based on hundreds of different tip and video evidence provided to officials that Jake Joseph Paul, 23, was present at the protest turned riot. Police say that Paul, “was present after the protest was declared an unlawful assembly and the rioters were ordered to leave the area by police.”

Paul was easily spotted due to his large YouTube following. He has been charged with criminal trespassing and unlawful assembly, both charges are misdemeanours.

On Sunday, Paul tweeted in response the arrest,“To be absolutely clear, neither I nor anyone in our group was engaged in any looting or vandalism.” Paul claims that he and his group were there to capture video and “share our experience and bring more attention to the anger felt in every neighborhood we traveled through…”

Paul's YouTube channel boasts more than 20 million subscriptions. "The squad 'Team 10' & I are always making comedy vids, acting, doing action sports & going on crazy adventures." reads the profile on his page.