A Wisconsin congressman’s office was the target of an arson attack, allegedly instigated by a 19-year-old man disgruntled over the potential ban of the popular social media platform, TikTok, according to local law enforcement. The congressman, Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman, had supported a bill in April 2024 that required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, based in China, to halt its U.S. operations by January 19. The Supreme Court upheld this decision last week.
The Fond du Lac Police Department revealed in a Sunday press release that Grothman’s office, situated in a Fond du Lac strip mall, was attacked overnight. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed by the police, was reportedly infuriated by the impending TikTok ban. The ban was implemented on Sunday but was lifted by the social media company just 14 hours later.
The police department reported that officers, along with the City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue, responded to a possible structure fire at the congressman’s office early Sunday morning. Upon arrival, officers used fire extinguishers to control the fire until fire companies arrived to put it out. A 19-year-old male resident of Menasha was found near the strip mall and confessed to starting the fire in response to the recent discussions about a TikTok ban.
Aaron Goldstein, the Chief of the Fond du Lac Police Department, stated in a press release that no one was injured in the fire as the office was unoccupied at the time. However, the incident is being treated as a serious crime. Goldstein emphasized that any form of violence is unacceptable and that the department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. He expressed gratitude for the quick response of the officers in controlling the fire and apprehending the suspect.
The U.S. TikTok ban was implemented late Saturday, with users receiving a message stating the app was unavailable due to a law banning TikTok in the U.S. Fourteen hours later, a message was posted stating that President Donald Trump had promised to collaborate with ByteDance to find a solution to reinstate TikTok once he assumes office.
Grothman, speaking to local ABC affiliate WISN on Sunday, stated that the fire at his office exemplifies inappropriate reactions to disagreements with a congressman or their voting decisions. He emphasized that disagreements should not lead to destructive actions like arson.
The suspect is currently being held at the Fond du Lac County Jail on an arson charge. His case was referred to the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office on Sunday. The police department anticipates releasing more information once a criminal complaint is filed by the District Attorney’s Office.