19-year-old angry over Tik-Tok ban sets fire to local congressman’s office space

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, City of Fond du Lac Police Department Officers apprehended a 19-year-old Menasha male suspected of setting fire to 525 N. Peters Avenue, in the City of Fond du Lac, which has office space leased to U.S. Congressman Glenn Grothman.

Chief Aaron Goldstein stated, “We are relieved that no one was injured and the office was unoccupied at the time of the fire.  Acts of violence, in any form are not tolerated, and we remain committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our community.  I am thankful for the swift response of our Officers in helping knock down the fire and also locating the suspect of this arson.”

At approximately 1:02 a.m., Fond du Lac Police Department Officers, along with the City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 525 N. Peters Avenue.  Fond du Lac Police Department Officers arrived and used fire extinguishers to hold the fire in check until fire companies arrived and extinguished the fire.  Officers located a 19-year-old Menasha man near the strip mall.  The mane admitted to starting the fire in response to recent talks of a TikTok ban.

The male is being held at the Fond du Lac County Jail and a charge of arson is being referred to the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office.  More information is anticipated to be released if and when a criminal complaint is filed by the District Attorney’s Office.

The building was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported.

The investigation into this incident is at the preliminary stages and remains under active investigation by the City of Fond du Lac Police Department and the City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue. 

If you have information related to this incident or believe you may have information, please contact the City of Fond du Lac Police Department at (920) 906-5555 or the Crime Alert line at (920) 322-3740, callers can request to remain anonymous.