Virginia Councilman Set Ablaze in Brutal Attack

Suspect Doused Official with Gasoline, Police Apprehended

A shocking act of violence has left a Virginia city councilman fighting for his life after he was doused in gasoline and set on fire inside the office of a magazine where he works.

Violent Assault Detailed

Lee Vogler, a dedicated council member for Danville, Virginia, was reportedly attacked Wednesday when a man forced his way into Showcase Magazine. The assailant then poured a 19-litre bucket of gasoline over Vogler before igniting him, authorities confirmed.

Andrew Brooks, the owner and publisher of Showcase Magazine, shared the harrowing details in a Facebook video. He stated, “Lee attempted to flee, ran to the front of the building. The individual followed him and set him on fire.”

Vogler, 38, is reportedly conscious and able to communicate while receiving treatment at a burn center. The full extent of his injuries has not yet been disclosed.

“Our hearts and prayers are with him. 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.”

—Andrew Brooks, Publisher and Owner of Showcase Magazine

Suspect Apprehended Swiftly

Law enforcement quickly apprehended a suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, a few blocks from the scene. Eyewitness accounts of the perpetrator and his vehicle aided in the rapid capture. Hayes is currently in custody, with charges pending.

Authorities indicate that Vogler and the suspect knew each other. The attack is believed to stem from a personal dispute, unrelated to Vogler’s political role or affiliations.

The vice-mayor of Danville, James Buckner, expressed his concern, stating, “Please keep our colleague and our brother in your prayers.”

Vogler has served on the Danville City Council since 2012 and also works as the managing partner for Andrew Brooks Media Group.

Context of Violence

Such attacks, while rare, highlight the potential for personal disputes to escalate to extreme violence. In the United States, non-fatal violent victimizations, including simple assault, aggravated assault, and sexual assault, were experienced by an estimated 3.5 million people in 2022 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2022).