Wisconsin Teen Accused Of Arson At Congressman’s Office Amid TikTok Ban Debate

A Wisconsin teenager was arrested after allegedly setting fire to a building that includes the office of Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI). Authorities say the suspect admitted to the crime, citing his frustration over efforts to ban TikTok in the U.S.

The Fond du Lac Police Department (FDLPD) and fire crews responded to the blaze early Sunday morning. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire before it spread to neighboring businesses. Officers located a 19-year-old suspect near the scene, and he reportedly confessed to starting the fire due to the proposed TikTok ban.

According to police, the suspect was taken into custody and is facing arson charges. Investigators said more details will be available once the district attorney’s office files formal charges.

Rep. Grothman had previously supported legislation that would require TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court recently upheld the law, arguing it was necessary for national security despite concerns about potential violations of free speech.

FDLPD Chief Aaron Goldstein commended officers for their quick response and reassured the public that acts of violence would not be tolerated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and expressed relief that no injuries occurred.

Following the court’s decision, TikTok temporarily blocked access for U.S. users but later announced it was working to restore service. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has suggested allowing partial American ownership of the app as a potential solution.