Political commentator Hasan Piker, also known by his Twitch handle HasanAbi, captured a dramatic moment during an immigration protest when LAPD officers used a flashbang grenade near demonstrators. Hasan was livestreaming the event outside a Los Angeles Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility when law enforcement deployed the device as a crowd control measure.
Tensions rose between protesters and police at the demonstration against ICE policies and federal immigration enforcement. Hasan’s stream caught both audio and partial visuals of the flashbang going off, with the streamer remarking on feeling its effects and joking about it going over his hair.
Flashbangs, also known as stun grenades, are non-lethal devices meant to disorient people with extremely loud noise and bright light temporarily. While rarely deadly, they remain controversial for use in civilian protests because they can cause confusion, hearing damage, and panic.
Hasan, who built his following through political commentary and activism, has begun expanding his content beyond the digital space by attending and covering various protests in person. His presence at the ICE demonstration brought extra attention to both the protest itself and the police response tactics.
The stream showed protesters carrying banners and flags, including Mexican and American flags, as they voiced opposition to current immigration enforcement practices. No serious injuries were reported during what Hasan broadcasted.
As one of Twitch’s most-watched political commentators, Hasan’s choice to livestream from protests shows more content creators are getting involved in real-time coverage of political events. This approach blurs the traditional lines between entertainment, journalism, and activism.
