Teen Who Allegedly Started Fire at Congressman’s Office Charged With Arson

A Wisconsin teenager faces severe charges after allegedly attempting to firebomb the office of a Congressman in protest of a federal TikTok ban.

Key Takeaways

Caiden Stachowicz is charged with multiple counts of felony arson and related crimes.
The incident took place outside U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman’s office due to a federal TikTok ban.
Stachowicz could face over 50 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
The fire resulted in minor damage, with no injuries reported.
The case highlights ongoing tensions around social media regulations.

Allegations and Legal Repercussions

Caiden Stachowicz, a 19-year-old from Menasha, Wisconsin, faces charges including felony arson, making terrorist threats, attempted burglary, and property damage. He allegedly attempted to burn down the office of U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman in opposition to a federal TikTok ban. Authorities swiftly detained Stachowicz, minimizing the potential damage. If convicted of all charges, he could face more than 50 years in prison.

Stachowicz allegedly tried to start the fire by attacking an electrical box and the building’s exterior. His frustration with Grothman’s support for banning TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, reportedly instigated his actions. Stachowicz is reported to have told authorities he saw the ban as infringing on his constitutional rights and that he intended to make a disruptive statement without harming anyone.

Wisconsin man accused of setting fire to congressman's office over TikTok ban charged with arson https://t.co/N4aNJC7460

— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) January 23, 2025

Incident Details and Motivations

The incident occurred just after 1 a.m. on a Sunday at Grothman’s Fond du Lac office. Stachowicz reportedly expressed his distaste for the Congressman and the TikTok ban, which Grothman supported in a vote. He initially wanted to set the blaze inside the building but turned to the exterior when unsuccessful, according to authorities. Despite his intentions to avoid personal injury, Stachowicz reportedly admitted wishing the entire building had burned.

Due to Stachowicz’s belief that TikTok’s shutdown violated his rights, he allegedly decided on this drastic measure. Police Chief Aaron Goldstein commended officers for their swift response, preventing further damage.

The U.S. previously implemented a rule stating that ByteDance had to sell TikTok by January 19 or face a nationwide ban. TikTok’s platform went offline in the U.S. temporarily over the weekend due to the deadline, but it later came back following Trump’s indication that he would extend it.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The response from law enforcement was timely, with officers controlling the fire before the arrival of fire crews. The building was unoccupied, preventing any injuries. The incident underscored the need for vigilance against acts of violence, as emphasized by Police Chief Aaron Goldstein.

The case against Stachowicz highlights ongoing debates surrounding social media regulation. The physical act of protest in a political context conveys the deep divisions and tensions experienced across the nation today.