Fond du Lac, Wisconsin – A 19-year-old man allegedly set fire to the office of Republican Congressman Glenn Grothman in an apparent act of retaliation over the potential ban of popular social media platform, TikTok. Local law enforcement revealed that the suspect, whose identity has not been made public, was infuriated by the proposed ban, which was supported by Grothman. The ban was later lifted by TikTok just 14 hours after its implementation.
Early Sunday morning, officers from the Fond du Lac Police Department, along with the City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue, responded to reports of a possible structure fire at the congressman’s office located in a strip mall. Upon arrival, the officers used fire extinguishers to control the blaze until the fire department arrived to extinguish it. The suspect, a resident of Menasha, was found near the strip mall and confessed to starting the fire as a response to discussions about the TikTok ban.
Fond du Lac Police Department Chief Aaron Goldstein stated that no one was injured in the fire as the office was unoccupied at the time. Despite this, the incident is being treated as a serious crime. Goldstein condemned any form of violence and assured the community that the police department is committed to their safety. He expressed gratitude for the swift response of the officers in containing the fire and apprehending the suspect.
The U.S. TikTok ban was initially put into effect late Saturday, with users receiving a message informing them that the app was no longer available due to a newly enacted law. However, just hours later, a message was posted stating that President Donald Trump had promised to collaborate with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to find a solution that would allow the app to be reinstated once he takes office.
In an interview with local ABC affiliate WISN, Congressman Glenn Grothman highlighted the inappropriate nature of the arson attack and its relationship to disagreements with elected officials or their policies. He stressed that destructive actions like arson should never be the response to political differences.
The suspect is currently being held on an arson charge at the Fond du Lac County Jail, and the case has been referred to the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office. More information will be released once a criminal complaint is filed.