Arrest and Investigation

A 33-year-old Hawthorne man was taken into custody on suspicion of making multiple online threats targeting TikTok’s Culver City headquarters, authorities said Saturday.
TikTok employees reported receiving a series of online threats through various social media platforms from a suspect identified as Joseph Mayuyo, according to a Culver City Police Department statement.

Background of the Threats

On Friday, Mayuyo allegedly threatened TikTok’s Culver City headquarters again on a social media platform, police said. Company security evacuated the building out of an abundance of caution, police said.
Detectives and related teams went to Mayuyo’s residence, where he threatened online that he would not be taken alive if an arrest was attempted, police said. Detectives obtained arrest and search warrants.

Arrest Procedure

At 10:10 p.m. Friday, crisis negotiators initiated contact with Mayuyo, police said. After more than 90 minutes, Mayuyo came out of his residence and was taken into custody without further incident.
Mayuyo was booked into the Culver City Police Department Jail for suspicion of criminal threats and a search at his residence produced items of evidence, police said.

Current Status of the Suspect

Mayuyo was being held without bail, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s online inmate locator.
“This incident demonstrates our department’s strong commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and local businesses,” said Police Chief Jason Sims. “We take all threats seriously and investigate them thoroughly.”

Publication Details

Originally Published: October 4, 2025 at 10:38 PM PDT

Conclusion

The arrest of Joseph Mayuyo highlights the importance of taking online threats seriously and the swift action law enforcement can take to protect communities and businesses. The cooperation between TikTok, the Culver City Police Department, and other agencies demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and security.

FAQs

• Q: Who was arrested for making online threats against TikTok’s headquarters?
  A: Joseph Mayuyo, a 33-year-old man from Hawthorne.
• Q: What led to the arrest of Joseph Mayuyo?
  A: Mayuyo made multiple online threats against TikTok’s Culver City headquarters, prompting an investigation by the Culver City Police Department.
• Q: What was the outcome of the arrest?
  A: Mayuyo was taken into custody without incident after crisis negotiators initiated contact, and he was booked for suspicion of criminal threats.
• Q: Is Joseph Mayuyo being held in custody?
  A: Yes, Mayuyo is being held without bail according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.