A Virginia city councilman was attacked and set on fire at his workplace on Wednesday, with police describing the incident as a 'personal matter' unrelated to his political role.
Lee Vogler, 38, a member of Danville City Council, was assaulted at the offices of Showcase magazine, where he also works. According to Danville police, the suspect entered the building, confronted Vogler, and doused him with a flammable liquid before both exited. The suspect then set Vogler on fire and fled.
Officers located and arrested the suspect, identified as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, a few blocks from the scene. Police stated that Vogler and Hayes are known to each other and that the attack stems from a personal matter, not Vogler's council position or political affiliations.
Vogler was airlifted to a regional burn centre for treatment. The full extent of his injuries was not immediately known. The publisher of Showcase magazine, Andrew Brooks, said Vogler was awake and talking after the attack.
Brooks described the incident in a Facebook video, stating that the suspect forced his way in carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline and poured it on Vogler. He urged an end to senseless violence and confirmed the magazine was cooperating with the police investigation.
