(The Center Square) – Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler was hospitalized Wednesday after a man entered his workplace, poured gasoline on him, and set him on fire, according to a video statement from his employer and police.
Andrew Brooks, publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, said in a video that the attacker entered the office carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline. He poured the fuel on Vogler, who attempted to flee to the front of the building. The man followed and set him on fire.
Vogler was described as “awake and talking” and was being transported to the burn center in Lynchburg. Brooks said Showcase Magazine is fully cooperating with police and that a staff member was being interviewed by investigators.
Danville Police confirmed the suspect as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes of Danville. Police said the attack occurred around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday on the 700 block of Main Street, where the suspect reportedly entered Vogler’s place of employment, confronted him and doused him with a flammable liquid. The two exited the building, and Hayes allegedly set Vogler on fire outside.
Officers located the suspect several blocks away and took him into custody without incident. Police said Hayes and Vogler knew each other and that the attack stemmed from a personal dispute, not Vogler’s elected position or any political affiliation.
“This type of senseless act of violence has to stop,” Brooks said. “You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them in any way, much less this way.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares called the incident “domestic terrorism,” writing on X, “Even the mere threat of violence is terrorism — and we should all condemn it together.”
Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears said that violence is never the answer and “must be condemned.”
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger wrote, “I’m horrified by today’s attack against a sitting public servant in Danville. Adam and I are praying for City Councilman Vogler, his family, and the entire Danville community.”
Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid also offered support, saying, “Violence has no place in our Commonwealth. No disagreement ever justifies hatred, threats, or brutality.”
Vogler is in his fourth term on the Danville City Council and currently serves as president of the Virginia Municipal League. He was first elected in 2012 at age 24.
Danville Police said additional information and charges will be announced as the investigation continues
