A 19-year-old Menasha man is accused of setting U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman’s office on fire in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, “in response to recent talks of a TikTok ban,” Fond du Lac police say.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, City of Fond du Lac Police Officers “apprehended a 19-year-old Menasha male suspected of setting fire to 525 N. Peters Avenue which has office space leased to U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman,” police wrote. Grothman is a Republican.
“Nobody was hurt in the fire and the damage has been contained. Thank you to the FDL firefighters and police officers for your swift response,” Grothman wrote on X.
“We are relieved that no one was injured and the office was unoccupied at the time of the fire,” Chief Aaron Goldstein said. “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., FDLPD Officers along with the City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue “responded for a possible structure fire at 525 N. Peters Avenue. FDLPD Officers arrived and used fire extinguishers to hold the fire in check until Fire Companies arrived and extinguished the fire,” police said.
“FDLPD Officers located a 19-year-old Menasha male resident near the strip mall. The male 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.”
“The building was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported,” police said. “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.”
Police noted, “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. No further information is being released at this time.”
