US social media personality Ishowspeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is expected to arrive in Helsinki on Monday as part of his European tour. Police in the Finnish capital say they are prepared for the visit but are not deploying extra resources.
“We’re responding with normal staffing,” said Jani Aunio, a police inspector with Helsinki Police. He confirmed that the department is aware of the visit but declined to give details on the source of the information or the influencer’s exact schedule.
Ishowspeed, aged 19, earlier announced on his Instagram channel that he would include Finland in his July tour. He has not disclosed specific dates or public appearances.
The influencer, who has millions of followers on YouTube and other platforms, has drawn large crowds in previous stops. During a recent visit to Stockholm, hundreds of fans gathered when he appeared in the city centre on 3 July.
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that his unannounced appearance in a local Ikea store caused a commotion. Fans cheered and followed him while he live-streamed from inside the store.
“I’m going to try Swedish meatballs now,” he said during the broadcast.
In a later YouTube stream, he responded to the attention.
“I just wanted to chill, but thousands of kids showed up,” he said.
No major incidents were reported during the Sweden visit, but police there monitored the situation closely. The crowd size and behaviour were similar to previous appearances in other European cities on the tour.
Helsinki Police have not issued any warnings or event restrictions but said they would keep an eye on any developing situations related to the visit.
HT
