Danville, VA – Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler is facing a long recovery after a brutal attack that left him severely burned, with his family expressing gratitude for community support.
Vogler, the youngest councilman in Danville’s history when frist elected in May 2012 at the age of 24, suffered second- and third-degree burns across up to 60% of his body, primarily on his torso. The attack occurred at his workplace on a Wednesday morning. According to reports, an alleged assailant, identified as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, entered Vogler’s office, doused him with a five-gallon jug of fuel, pursued him outside, and set him on fire.
Vogler, a four-term councilman, identified his attacker at the scene. Hayes, 29, was later charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. A criminal complaint obtained by ABC indicates hayes allegedly confessed to the attack, stating his intention was to kill Vogler. Police have stated the attack was not politically motivated but stemmed from an undisclosed personal matter.
The incident has deeply traumatized Vogler’s two children. His wife, Blair Vogler, described her husband as a “fighter” who is approaching his recovery with “courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.” She also shared her family’s gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support received, noting that a GoFundMe page established for Vogler’s recovery had raised over $50,000 within 24 hours, surpassing it’s initial $100,000 goal. The funds are intended to support Vogler’s medical bills.
The attack has highlighted the resilience of the Danville community in rallying around one of its public servants during a time of crisis.
