Full Breakdown
Arrest of Twitch Streamer Krimoe Sparks Controversy Near Parliament
1/7/2026, 1:32:07 AM
Incident Overview: Arrest Outside Parliament
On January 3, 2026, Twitch streamer Krimoe was arrested outside the Houses of Parliament in London while broadcasting live to his 48,000 followers. The Metropolitan Police responded to reports of a group of men allegedly carrying a firearm, leading to the arrest of Krimoe and 12 others on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm in a public place. The incident occurred around 10:50 PM GMT, close to Westminster Bridge, where Krimoe was seen waving what appeared to be a toy gun and shouting phrases like "bang, bang, bang" and "shoot the ops."
Context of the Arrest
The area surrounding the Houses of Parliament is heavily monitored, with 24/7 patrols by both uniformed and plainclothes officers. The police's swift response was prompted by concerns from the public regarding the potential threat posed by the group. During the arrest, an officer was heard urgently asking, “Has someone here got a gun?” and warned the group, “No f***ing about.” The imitation firearm was reportedly seized at the scene.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The incident has drawn significant public attention and criticism. Many social media users condemned Krimoe's actions as reckless, with comments labeling him an "absolute idiot" for his stunt. Critics argue that such provocations could lead to dangerous misunderstandings, especially in a sensitive area like Westminster, where security is paramount. The footage of the arrest has gone viral, igniting discussions about the implications of live streaming provocative content in the UK compared to the United States.
Official Statements
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests, stating, “Police were called at 10:50 PM on Saturday, January 3, close to Westminster Bridge following reports of a group of men carrying a firearm. Officers attended quickly and arrested 13 men on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm in a public place. They have since been released under investigation as enquiries continue.”
Conflicting Reports
There is some discrepancy regarding the number of individuals arrested. While most sources report 13 arrests, some mention 11. Additionally, the nature of the firearm has been described variably as a toy gun or a BB gun, highlighting the confusion surrounding the incident.
What's Next
As investigations continue, the implications of this incident may lead to discussions about regulations surrounding live streaming and public safety. The Metropolitan Police have not indicated any immediate changes to policy but are likely to review the incident's circumstances and public response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No real firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapons were used.” — Krimoe, in a video posted after the incident.
