A shocking incident occurred in Virginia when a city councilman was brutally set on fire by a man who stormed into his workplace carrying gallons of fuel and ignited the lawmaker. Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler became the victim of this horrifying attack when Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, entered Showcase Magazine, a local publication, and poured a five-gallon bucket of gasoline on him around 11:30 a.m.
Vogler managed to escape the office and ran to the front of the building, but the assailant followed him and set him on fire. The publisher of the magazine, Andrew Brooks, described the terrifying moment in a video on Facebook, condemning the senseless act of violence and emphasizing that no one has the right to harm another person in such a manner.
The extent of Vogler’s injuries is still unknown, but he was conscious and talking after the incident. He was airlifted to a hospital in North Carolina for treatment at a burn center in Lynchburg. Hayes, who fled the scene initially, was captured in his vehicle several blocks away and has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.
Authorities stated that Vogler and Hayes knew each other, and the attack was not related to the councilman’s position or political affiliation. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Hayes is currently being held without bond at the Danville City Jail.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed his prayers for Vogler’s swift recovery and for peace in the Danville community. Vogler, who was elected to the Danville City Council in 2012 at the age of 24, is known for his service in the community and his role on the Virginia Small Business Commission.
This disturbing attack is part of a series of violent incidents targeting elected officials, highlighting the need for increased security measures and awareness. It serves as a reminder of the risks public figures face in carrying out their duties and the importance of promoting a safe and respectful environment for all individuals.
