Authorities report that they have taken into custody a suspect believed to be linked to a series of online threats, which prompted TikTok to clear out its headquarters near Los Angeles on Friday.
According to a statement from the Culver City Police Department, TikTok staff members informed police about receiving several threats via different social media channels from Joseph Mayuyo, a 33-year-old resident of Hawthorne. After another threatening message was directed at TikTok’s Culver City office, police say the company’s security team decided to evacuate the premises “out of an abundance of caution.”
The press release states that police proceeded to investigate Mayuyo’s residence. During this process, he allegedly posted more threatening remarks, including a statement that he would not surrender alive. Detectives secured search and arrest warrants, and after a 90-minute negotiation, Mayuyo left his home willingly and was apprehended, according to the police.
Business Insider notes that one TikTok staff member described the threats as “really scary,” while another expressed concern that the e-commerce division appeared to be specifically targeted.
Reports indicate that Mayuyo’s X account has been suspended for breaching the platform’s hateful content guidelines. Additionally, a Medium account under his name published a post in July accusing TikTokShop USA of being a “scam.”
TechCrunch has contacted TikTok for a statement. In their press release, the police commend TikTok’s security team for their swift response, cooperation, and professionalism throughout the incident.
This incident occurs as TikTok’s U.S. branch is being separated from its Chinese parent company ByteDance, forming a new joint venture with a different board of directors. President Donald Trump, who has discussed and posted about the transaction for several months, recently authorized the sale through an executive order.
