Social Media Influencer Accused Of Egging On Looters In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A 21-year-old social media influencer from Philadelphia has been hit with a slew of charges after authorities said she is partially responsible for the looting that occurred Tuesday night in the city.

Dayjia Blackwell, 21, is charged with burglary, rioting, criminal use of a communications facility, criminal trespassing, receiving stolen property, and more in connection with Tuesday's looting.

Blackwell, better known as "Meatball" online where she commands about 185,000 followers, was livestreaming Tuesday's events, including her own arrest.

Authorities said she went to at least seven locations throughout Tuesday's rioting and posted "What we doing tonight behind this injustice tap in?" in reference to all charges being dismissed against former Philadelphia Police officer Mark Dial.

Mayor Jim Kenney told NBC10 that Blackwell "basically incited the riot" through her social media.

Blackwell was released Thursday after posting 10 percent of $25,000 bail.

She was one of 52 people arrested in connection with the looting.

Of those 52, just three were juveniles, police said.

The "criminal opportunists," as police called them, hit the Apple Store, Lululemon, and the Foot Locker in Center City.

Additionally, 18 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores were looted, forcing the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to close all of its Philadelphia stores until further notice.

Reports state looters also hit pharmacies and other businesses.

Blackwell is scheduled for an Oct. 17 preliminary hearing, court records show.