TikTok content creator Franko “El Kofran” Lagos was expelled from the Plaza de Armas in Santiago by foreign citizens while conducting a live stream, and municipal security personnel subsequently suggested that he turn off his broadcast, according to video recordings shared by the photographer. The incident occurred at approximately 17:30 hours in the heart of the Chilean capital, drawing swift local attention and prompting a municipal response regarding security and order in the historic square.
During a routine evening broadcast covering central Santiago, Lagos stood near the Kilómetro Cero marker—the geographic point used to measure national distances—to discuss local history. According to his footage, a foreign woman approached him and asked what he was doing. When Lagos replied, “It’s my plaza,” the woman demanded that he stop recording her and other women present. Lagos maintained that they were not part of his recording, but tensions escalated as three more foreign men on foot and bicycles confronted him, accusing him of “sapeando” (snitching) and attempting to knock the phone from his hand.
Did You Know? The Kilómetro Cero marker in the Plaza de Armas of Santiago serves as the official starting point from which distances to all other cities in Chile are measured.
As the confrontation drew a crowd of more than 15 people shouting near Carabineros and municipal guards close to the Santiago Municipality building, Lagos decided to leave. In a second video clip, Lagos recorded an interaction with municipal security guards to seek explanations. One guard told him, “What happens is that… you know what they do here,” while another explicitly advised him: “Turn off the live so you don’t have problems.” Lagos criticized the response, writing in his post that the Plaza de Armas lacks control and protection for visitors. As he walked away, a woman off-camera was heard shouting threats to break his phone, prompting Lagos to urge viewers to help viralize the footage and help recover public spaces for families and tourists ahead of Fiestas Patrias.
Official Reactions and Possible Legal Actions
Following inquiries by BioBioChile regarding the incident, Santiago Mayor Mario Desbordes announced that the municipality will file a criminal complaint addressing uneradicated prostitution in the Plaza de Armas. According to the mayor’s statement, municipal authorities believe an illicit association operates within the area. This legal step represents a direct institutional effort to address the ongoing security and public order concerns highlighted by the viral broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Franko “El Kofran” Lagos?
He is an independent photographer and content creator in Santiago who regularly produces live-streamed night walks through the capital.
What sparked the confrontation in the Plaza de Armas?
The dispute began when a foreign woman approached Lagos near the Kilómetro Cero marker, accusing him of recording women without consent, a claim the tiktoker denied.
What did the municipal guards tell the tiktoker?
After Lagos sought help regarding the crowd that had gathered, one municipal guard remarked on local activities (“you know what they do here”) while another suggested he turn off his live stream to avoid trouble.
What measures do you think local authorities should take to ensure safety for both content creators and visitors in downtown Santiago’s public spaces?
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