Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Arson Attack on GOP Congressman's Office Over TikTok Ban

Caiden Stachowicz, 20, set fire to Rep. Glenn Grothman's office after the app briefly went dark in the US.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A 20-year-old Wisconsin man named Caiden Stachowicz was sentenced to 7 years in prison and 7 years of extended supervision for setting fire to the office of Republican U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman. Stachowicz committed the arson attack in January 2025, less than 24 hours after TikTok briefly went dark in the US, due to his anger over Grothman's support for a bill requiring TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance to sell its US operations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tensions around government regulation of social media platforms, with some individuals resorting to extreme measures to protest policies they view as infringing on their rights. It also raises concerns about the potential for mental health crises to lead to criminal acts, even when the perpetrator takes steps to avoid harming others.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Stachowicz poured gasoline on an electrical box and the area in front of Grothman's office in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and lit a match, causing the building to erupt in flames. Stachowicz told police he wanted to burn down the office because Grothman had voted for a bill requiring TikTok's China-based parent company to sell its US operations, which Stachowicz felt violated his constitutional rights. Stachowicz said he took precautions to ensure no one was present in the building at the time.

  • On January 18, 2025, TikTok briefly went dark in the US.
  • On January 19, 2025, Stachowicz committed the arson attack on Grothman's office.

The players

Caiden Stachowicz

A 20-year-old man from Menasha, Wisconsin who was sentenced to 7 years in prison and 7 years of extended supervision for setting fire to Republican U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman's office.

Glenn Grothman

A Republican U.S. Representative whose office was targeted by Stachowicz in the arson attack. Grothman had voted for a bill in April 2024 requiring ByteDance, TikTok's China-based company, to sell its US operation.

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What they’re saying

“I don't ask or expect anybody to forgive me. I only want you and everybody affected to know that I'm honestly sorry for what I did.”

— Caiden Stachowicz (Fox11)

“My mental and emotional issues are no excuse for my actions. I take full responsibility for them. Thank you for hearing me out. I harbor no bad feelings for you, and I wish you the best of luck in your career.”

— Caiden Stachowicz (Fox11)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Caiden Stachowicz out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions around government regulation of social media platforms and the potential for mental health crises to lead to criminal acts, even when the perpetrator takes steps to avoid harming others. It underscores the need for better mental health resources and support to prevent such incidents in the future.