CULVER CITY, CA – According to the Culver City Police Department, investigators arrested a suspect connected to multiple online threats targeting the TikTok Culver City headquarters.
Employees reported receiving a series of online threats across various social media platforms from a suspect identified as 33-year-old Joseph Mayuyo, a resident of Hawthorne. On Oct. 3, representatives received an additional threat naming TikTok’s headquarters. Security evacuated the location out of an abundance of caution.
The case was assigned to CCPD investigators. In collaboration with the CCPD Crime Impact Team, Special Enforcement Team, Emergency Response Team, and Crisis Negotiation Team, officers conducted an investigation at Mayuyo’s residence. During the investigation, Mayuyo made additional threatening statements online, including a declaration that he would not be taken alive if officers attempted to arrest him.
Detectives obtained arrest and search warrants. At approximately 10:10 p.m., CCPD’s Emergency Response Team initiated contact with Mayuyo while crisis negotiators engaged him in dialogue. After more than 90 minutes of negotiation, Mayuyo voluntarily exited his residence and was taken into custody without further incident.
Mayuyo was booked into the Culver City Police Department jail on a charge of violating California Penal Code 422, criminal threats. Detectives executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered items of evidentiary value.
“This incident demonstrates our department’s strong commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and local businesses,” Chief Jason Sims said. “We take all threats seriously and investigate them thoroughly. Thanks to the coordinated and swift efforts of our officers, detectives, and partnership with the business, this suspect was taken into custody peacefully, preventing any potential harm.”
