NZ link in Dutch party riot

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NZ link in Dutch party riot

3News NZ

The Dunsandel Store, where Hobson works

The Dunsandel Store, where Hobson works

By Kloe Palmer

A young, internet-savvy barista from rural Canterbury appears to be responsible for over 3000 people gatecrashing a 16-year-old girl's birthday party in a small Dutch town. 

In a replay of the movie Project X, shops were looted, cars set on fire and hundreds of riot police called. And the trail leads to Dunsandel.

Shop fronts were smashed and cars set alight after a Facebook birthday invite when viral.

Meanwhile in the small quiet town of Dunsadel, 21-year-old Jesse Hobson is believed to be the mastermind behind inviting over 200,000 people online.

Being over 10,00km away, no one in the rural town seemed to know about it, but were shocked anyway.

"Oh Jesus… No, I didn't know that," said one local.

"It's amazing that media like that can spread so far, just from a little place like this and it's a worldwide event," said another.

"That's amazing, it tells you how strong Facebook is," said a third.

The party definitely highlighted the power of social media. It took hundreds of police hours to control the crowds and 34 people were arrested.

It's been reported that Mr Hobson thought the online prank 'Project X Haren' would be a bit of fun, and didn't expect it to get out of control.

"Good on him, and I don't suppose he was even there to enjoy the riot," a Dunsandel local told 3 News.

But the mayor of Haren isn't laughing.

"Let's be clear – last night, scum wreaked havoc in our community," he said.

Mr Hobson works at the Dunsadel Store. He's not at work today and his colleagues aren't willing to comment, but they do say they wouldn't be surprised if the Dutch police came calling soon.

3 News

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Comments

30/09/2012 6:23:02 p.m.

divadays wrote:

I agree 'Good Grief', it amazes me how so many people just turn into brain dead thugs when they get behind a computer screen. That poor family, way to ruin the kid's birthday dude! Idiot. Yeah, he should have to pay and get flown over there to apologise in person to every single person affected and to clean up the area and do community service for the whole town....for about 3 - 6 months. Either that or prison for up to 2yrs. What an idiot. He knew what could happen. Look how bad a txt-bombing of a party can be, let alone a global social media bombing. Shame on him.

28/09/2012 7:19:50 p.m.

Christina wrote:

Knowing 2 of his immediate family, Jesse is not internet savvy. He is showing his immaturity at wow didn't think it would get outta hand just though might turn into a street party comment, his facebook page is full of gloating comments. How about we send him to Haren and make a huge event on facebook annoucing the date and time of his arrival.

28/09/2012 5:39:18 p.m.

Dazza wrote:

I hope this imbecile will be held to account for his part in this. Being on this side of the world shouldn't be an excuse to absolve him of blame.

28/09/2012 2:07:44 p.m.

Good Grief wrote:

I'm very pleased to see that a coward who hides behind the Internet has been identified. I hope he has to pay for the damage.