In a shocking incident that has left a Virginia city reeling, a local councilman was brutally attacked at his workplace, doused in gasoline, and set ablaze.
The victim, Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, was rushed to a regional medical facility for immediate treatment following the horrifying assault on Wednesday.
As reported by Breitbart, the Danville Police Department (DPD) swiftly apprehended the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes. The DPD, in a Facebook post, stated that Hayes is facing charges of "attempted first degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding." The suspect is currently being held in the Danville City Jail without bond.
The DPD was alerted to the incident around 11:30 a.m. when they received reports of a man "being set on fire." According to witness accounts, the suspect had entered Vogler's place of work, confronted him, and proceeded to douse him in a flammable liquid.
The confrontation then moved outside the building, where the suspect set the councilman alight before fleeing the scene. A vigilant witness provided a description of the suspect and his vehicle, enabling officers to locate and apprehend Hayes several blocks away from the scene without incident.
Andrew Brooks, the publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, provided further chilling details of the attack in a Facebook video. He revealed that the assailant had "forced his way" into the magazine's office, carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline, which he then poured on Vogler. "Lee attempted to flee, ran to the front of the building, the individual followed him and set him on fire," Brooks recounted. He confirmed that Vogler was able to identify his attacker and was conscious and communicative while en route to the burn center in Lynchburg.
Brooks expressed his shock and condemnation of the brutal attack, stating, "This type of senseless act of violence has to stop. 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."
The incident has drawn widespread attention and concern, with Virginia's top officials expressing their support for Vogler. Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) and Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R) both offered their prayers for the councilman's swift recovery and peace for the Danville community. "Violence is never the answer and must be condemned," Earle-Sears stated.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also voiced his support for Vogler, whom he described as a "good friend and an even greater city councilman for Danville." He condemned the violent act, stating, "Violence in the pursuit of the political is the definition of domestic terrorism. Even the mere threat of violence is terrorism and we should all condemn it together."
The shocking incident underscores the urgent need for a robust response to such acts of violence. As the Danville community rallies around Councilman Vogler, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for civility and respect in our political discourse.
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