Social media star Dayjia Blackwell, better known as “Meatball,” was detained and charged with six felonies and two misdemeanors after she livestreamed and applauded looters as they destroyed shops in Philadelphia. There are eight counts against her in all. While the looting was going on, Blackwell challenged the police and insisted they take her into custody. She was accused of burglary, criminal trespassing, conspiracy, criminal mischief, obtaining stolen property, using a communication facility illegally, and creating physically objectionable and hazardous circumstances. She was also accused with inciting a disturbance with the intention of committing a crime. She was freed from prison the next morning after paying her $25,000 bail.
Through the use of social media accounts, Blackwell’s movements were tracked by the police to seven distinct locations throughout the city. Following the dropping of the murder charges against former Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial—who was charged with Eddie Irizarry’s death—looting broke out around the city. Mark Dial faced charges related to Eddie Irizarry’s deadly shooting. The police clearly denoted that the looters were not protestors by calling them “criminal opportunists” and detailing their characteristics.
Approximately one hundred teenagers and young adults participated in the looting during the celebration, taking advantage of several businesses. Largely popular on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Blackwell was taken into custody as part of the effort to apprehend individuals responsible for the crime.
