Suspect Joseph Mayuyo was taken into custody following a series of online threats that led to heightened security and an office evacuation at TikTok’s U.S. headquarters.
Online Threats Prompt Emergency Response
Authorities have arrested 33-year-old Joseph Mayuyo after a string of online threats forced TikTok to evacuate its Culver City offices last Friday.
- Multiple threats were sent to TikTok employees via various social media platforms.
- One of the messages directly targeted TikTok’s headquarters, prompting immediate action by the company’s security team.
Swift Evacuation and Police Investigation
Following the credible threat, TikTok evacuated its headquarters “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a press release from the Culver City Police Department.
- The company worked closely with law enforcement throughout the incident.
- Police then turned their attention to Mayuyo’s Hawthorne residence, which became the focal point of the investigation.
Escalating Threats and Negotiated Arrest
While under surveillance, Mayuyo allegedly continued to post threats, including a defiant message claiming he “would not be taken alive.”
- After securing search and arrest warrants, detectives negotiated for 90 minutes before Mayuyo voluntarily surrendered.
- No injuries or incidents occurred during the arrest.
Employees Describe Fear and Targeting
Reports from Business Insider indicate that TikTok employees were genuinely shaken.
- One called the threats “really scary.”
- Another noted they appeared to specifically target TikTok’s e-commerce division, raising concerns about internal vulnerabilities.
Digital Footprint and Motive Clues
Mayuyo’s online activity adds further context:
- His X (formerly Twitter) account has since been suspended for violating policies on hateful content.
- A Medium blog post from July linked to his name criticized TikTokShop USA, labeling it a “scam.”
- These posts may indicate a personal vendetta or motive behind the threats.
TikTok’s Security Team Commended
Culver City Police commended TikTok’s internal security for their quick thinking and cooperation.
- Their actions helped prevent escalation and ensured employee safety.
- TikTok has not yet provided a public comment on the incident.
Broader Context: TikTok’s Tumultuous Transition
This incident unfolds during a pivotal time for TikTok’s U.S. operations:
- The company is undergoing a forced separation from Chinese parent ByteDance, forming a new U.S.-based joint venture.
- Former President Donald Trump has actively supported the deal, recently signing an executive order to formalize the transition.
