Teen Units Hearth to Congressman’s Workplace Allegedly Over TikTok Ban

A 19-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested within the early morning hours of Sunday for setting first to an workplace leased by a member of Congress within the metropolis of Fond Du Lac. The unnamed man reportedly instructed police he was upset in regards to the TikTok ban, which prohibited customers from opening the app beginning late Saturday, however got here back online Sunday after guarantees from president-elect Donald Trump to not implement the ban.

Police arrived at a construction hearth at 525 N. Peters Avenue within the metropolis of Fond Du Lac round 1:00 a.m. native time Sunday, in keeping with native information station WMTV. The workplace is leased by U.S. Consultant Glenn Grothman, a Republican who represents Wisconsin’s sixth District and voted in favor of the TikTok “ban or divest” regulation that had overwhelming bipartisan assist.

The constructing was unoccupied when the fireplace began and no accidents have been reported. First responders had been in a position to hold the fireplace in verify with hearth extinguishers till firefighters arrived, in keeping with native information outlet Channel 3000. Judging by the photograph launched by Rep. Grothman’s workplace, which has gone viral on social media, it seems the fireplace blackened the surface of the door and broken an air-con unit, as you’ll be able to see above.

The 19-year-old arson suspect is from Menasha, in keeping with ABC affiliate WISN, which reviews he “admitted to beginning the fireplace in response to latest talks of a TikTok ban.” That man has not but been recognized however is being held on an arson cost on the Fond du Lac County Jail.

“Acts of violence, in any type, are usually not tolerated, and we stay dedicated to defending the protection and well-being of our group. I’m grateful for the swift response of our Officers in serving to knock down the fireplace and likewise finding the suspect of this arson,” Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein stated in an announcement to native information station WISN.

Rep. Grothman has not issued an announcement on his social media platforms like X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram however instructed the native newspaper the FDL Reporter that he’s undecided what occurred precisely.

“I don’t even know but (what occurred) apart from any individual tried to set a fireplace over TikTok,” stated Grothman, who in contrast to some members of Congress, seems to have by no means had a TikTok account.

The TikTok app went darkish for U.S. customers on Saturday night time however got here again on-line Sunday afternoon ET after incoming president Donald Trump stated he’ll signal an government order on Monday after he’s inaugurated at midday that can delay the ban. Unusually, Trump signaled that he need the U.S. federal authorities to personal 50% of the app, although it’s not instantly clear how that will work.