Virginia Councilman Set on Fire After Personal Attack
The attacker was arrested and faces serious charges for the incident.
Photo of Alex Mihu in Unsplash
City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, suffered severe burns after being attacked at his workplace at Showcase Magazine. A man armed with a can of gasoline broke into his office, doused him with the flammable liquid, and set him on fire, according to local police reports.
Vogler was airlifted to a specialized burn center in North Carolina. He was reportedly conscious and was able to identify his attacker, Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, who was arrested shortly afterward and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery.
Authorities confirmed that the attack stemmed from a personal dispute and was not related to his work as a public official or politically motivated.
Reactions from those close to him after the attack on the councilman
The community, including local officials and the governor of Virginia, condemned the act, calling it "senseless violence," and expressed solidarity and hope for his speedy recovery.
Vogler was first elected in 2012, becoming the city's youngest council member at just 24 years old. For more than a decade, he has been known for his work in economic development and community engagement.
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