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Jake Paul Charged In Connection With Looting Of Shopping Centre During Protests

Jake Paul Charged In Connection With Looting Of Shopping Centre During Protests

Paul had previously stated that he wasn't involved with looting or vandalism

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

YouTuber Jake Paul has been charged in connection with looting at a shopping mall in Arizona.

The 23-year-old was identified at the scene in Scottsdale over the weekend and police have now confirmed he has been charged with 'criminal trespass and unlawful assembly'.

He has also been issued a summons to appear in court in one month's time.

Paul - who has more than 20 million subscribers on his YouTube channel - had previously shared a statement in which he denied being involved in any looting or vandalism.

He said: "To be absolutely clear, neither I nor anyone in our group was engaged in any looting or vandalism.

"For context, we spent the day doing our part to peacefully protest one of the most horrific injustices our country has ever seen, which led to us being tear-gassed for filming the events and brutality that were unfolding in Arizona.

"We were gassed and forced to keep moving on foot. We filmed everything we saw in an effort to share our experience and bring more attention to the anger felt in every neighbourhood we travelled through; we were strictly documenting not engaging.

"I do not 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.

"We are all doing the best we can to be helpful and raise awareness; this is not the time to attack each other, it's time to join together and evolve."

Paul is yet to speak publicly since receiving the charges. However, his older brother and fellow YouTuber Logan defended him on his podcast.

He said: "Why he was inside of a mall that was being looted, I have no idea. I talked to him on the phone, he was at a dinner that was next to the mall. It was very unfortunate but very on-brand for Jake Paul to magically be seen at a looting site.

"Here's what I will say, and I feel like this goes without saying. While I condemn that he was at a looting site and stuck around long enough for videos to be taken to make it look like he was kinda hanging out, you are a f**king moron if you think my brother was actively participating in looting."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Jake Paul, US News, crime