In a stunt that has baffled social media users and alarmed public-safety experts, 29-year-old Keith Castillo — known online as “povwolfy” — has surged to viral fame for giving homeless individuals large machetes and bottles of liquor in cities including Austin and New Orleans.
Castillo, a Corpus Christi native, insists the giveaways are meant to “keep them safe,” but critics accuse him of reckless behavior and exploiting vulnerable people for online attention.
Video That Sparks Outrage
The TikTok creator, who has amassed nearly 400,000 followers, began traveling the country in October on what he calls a content tour. His videos show him distributing 18-inch stainless steel machetes, purchased cheaply in bulk from Harbor Freight, along with handles of vodka and miniature bottles of cinnamon whiskey.
One video that exploded online over Thanksgiving shows him passing out the weapons in Texas, captioned:
“Keeping the homeless in the streets safe.”
@povwolfy Keeping the homeless in the streets safe 💯 🙏
♬ original sound – Wolfy
The clip draws enthusiastic reactions from recipients — one man responds, “Hell yeah, man” — while millions of viewers react with alarm.
In other posts, Castillo refers to the machetes as “big ass swords,” continuing to defend the practice as protection for the homeless. He has repeated similar handouts in Little Rock, Arkansas, and says he routinely keeps around 30 machetes in his vehicle.
According to an interview with the New York Post, the self-styled influencer plans to expand the tour to Las Vegas, Skid Row in Los Angeles, and New York City early next year.
“So far, he’s armed homeless folks in Austin, New Orleans, and Little Rock — but he has his sights set on larger skylines,” the Post reported.
Castillo told the outlet he expects to be in New York in January, where he intends to distribute more machetes and “fireballs” — small bottles of high-proof cinnamon whiskey.
Growing Public Backlash
Reaction online has been overwhelmingly negative. One Instagram user criticized the stunt bluntly:
“Keeping them safe? No. Making them dangerous? Yes.”
While machete possession is legal in many jurisdictions, social workers, advocates, and security analysts warn the videos may encourage unsafe situations, escalate violence, and exploit people who are already at risk.
Castillo has pushed back on those concerns, insisting the blades are simply tools:
“These are for tool purposes. They have zero intent for what people are claiming they want to do with them.”
He expressed even less hesitation about handing out alcohol to individuals who may struggle with addiction.
“Honestly, I really don’t care, bro,” Castillo said. “It’s good for the clicks and views. Gotta do what we have to do so we eat.”
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