Wisconsin Teen Allegedly Sets Fire To Office Of Congressman Supporting TikTok Ban

Police in Wisconsin arrested a 19-year-old man accused of setting a fire at a commercial building that includes the office of Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI). Authorities say the suspect targeted the office due to frustration over recent efforts to prohibit TikTok in the U.S.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning and were able to control the blaze. Officers patrolling the area spotted the suspect nearby and took him into custody after he allegedly admitted to starting the fire because of concerns about a potential ban on the social media platform.

The suspect was transported to the Fond du Lac County Jail and faces arson charges. Authorities have indicated more details will be released once prosecutors file formal charges.

Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein acknowledged the quick work of first responders in preventing further damage. “Violence is never the answer,” Goldstein said. “We appreciate the efforts of our officers in securing the area and ensuring no one was harmed.”

Grothman was among the lawmakers who supported legislation to ban TikTok unless its Chinese owners divest. Concerns over national security and data privacy have been at the forefront of efforts to remove the app from U.S. markets.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the law, TikTok briefly restricted access to its platform but later stated it was working to resume operations. President Donald Trump has suggested a possible deal that would allow a 50% American stake in the company.