Wisconsin Teen Charged With Arson After Allegedly Targeting Congressman’s Office Over TikTok Ban

A teenager in Wisconsin has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a commercial building that houses the district office of Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI). Authorities say the suspect admitted to starting the fire due to frustration over the congressman’s stance on banning TikTok.

According to the Fond du Lac Police Department (FDLPD), officers and fire crews responded to the scene early Sunday morning. Emergency responders managed to contain the fire before it spread further. Police say the 19-year-old suspect was found nearby and confessed to starting the blaze over concerns about the future of TikTok in the U.S.

The suspect was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Fond du Lac County Jail. Law enforcement officials stated that additional details would be released once formal charges are filed by the district attorney’s office.

Rep. Grothman was among those in Congress who supported legislation requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. The Supreme Court recently upheld the law, citing national security concerns linked to the app’s ownership by a Chinese company.

Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein thanked emergency responders for their quick action and assured the public that safety remains a top priority. He emphasized that acts of violence will not be tolerated and that the department is committed to protecting the community.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, TikTok initially shut down U.S. access but later announced efforts to restore service. President Donald Trump has suggested a possible deal allowing for partial U.S. ownership of the app to address security concerns.