A Hawthorne man, Joseph Mayuyo, 33, was arrested on Friday evening after the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) received reports of multiple online threats directed at the TikTok headquarters located in Culver City. These threats led to an evacuation of the premises earlier in the week, marking a high-tension period for the company's employees and local law enforcement.
According to the KTLA report, Mayuyo was identified and apprehended following an investigation prompted by various distressing messages spread across diverse social media platforms, including a threat received by the company on Oct. 3 that resulted in, TikTok’s headquarters being evacuated as a precautionary measure. His threats continued even as the authorities were closing in, declaring that he would not be taken alive.
In the wake of the incident, CCPD Chief Jason Sims praised the coordinated efforts between law enforcement and TikTok's security team. "This incident demonstrates our department’s strong commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and local businesses," Sims stated, assuring the public of the seriousness with which such threats are treated. Information on the case was also outlined in a press release by the CCPD.
The arrest was conducted after sustained negotiations by the CCPD’s specialized teams, which culminated at around 10:10 p.m. without further incident. Mayuyo, following over 90 minutes of dialogue with crisis negotiators, voluntarily exited his residence and was safely taken into custody. He was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, and items considered to be of evidentiary value were seized from his residence upon the execution of a search warrant. "We take all threats seriously and investigate them thoroughly," Sims added, underscoring the rapid and coordinated response to the threats.
Members of the community and employees at TikTok's headquarters can now breathe a bit easier knowing the suspect has been apprehended. CCPD also acknowledged the critical role TikTok's security played in the incident's resolution. An official mention of thanks was extended for their prompt response and professional conduct during the investigation. For further updates, CCPD has directed inquiries to their Public Information Officer, Jennifer Atenza.
