YouTube star Jake Paul has been slapped with criminal charges after he was caught on video inside an Arizona mall with looters as protests for George Floyd took place outside, NBC News reports.
In a widely-viewed video, Paul can be seen watching as rioters break into the mall, but later can be seen inside the mall after it had closed. It’s not known if Paul stole anything.
“Our investigation has revealed that Paul was present after the protest was declared an unlawful assembly and the rioters were ordered to leave the area by the police,” the Scottsdale Police Department said in a statement. “Paul also unlawfully entered and remained inside of the mall when it was closed.”
Paul has been charged with criminal trespass and unlawful assembly, both misdemeanors.
In a statement, Paul said that does condone “violence, looting or breaking the law.”
“…however, I understand the anger and frustration that led to the destruction we witnessed, and while it’s not the answer, it’s important that people see it and collectively figure out how to move forward in a healthy way,” his statement read.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 31, 2020
After he was charged, Paul tweeted, “Gimme my charges and let’s put the focus back on George Floyd and Black Lives Matter.”
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