On Wednesday, a Virginia city council member was violently attacked at his workplace when a man poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. Danville City Council member Lee Vogler, 39, was working in the Showcase Magazine office around 11 a.m. local time when Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, allegedly forced his way into the building with a five-gallon bucket of gasoline. According to the Danville Police Department, Hayes poured the gasoline on Vogler as he tried to run to the front of the building and then lit him on fire. Vogler was quickly airlifted to a regional burn center for treatment, though his condition has not been officially disclosed.
Hayes, identified by the magazine’s owner Andrew Brooks and police, was apprehended without incident a few blocks from the scene. The police department confirmed that the victim and suspect are known to each other, and the attack is believed to stem from a personal matter unrelated to Vogler’s political role or affiliations. “Based on the investigation at the time of this release, the victim and the suspect are known to each other and the attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation,” a statement from the police department read. This clarification aims to dispel any speculation that the attack may have been politically motivated.
Showcase Magazine released a statement expressing deep shock and sadness over the incident, offering their thoughts and prayers to Vogler and his family. The company also confirmed their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Vogler, who became the youngest person to hold a position on the Danville City Council at 24 in 2012, was also serving as sales director at Showcase Magazine. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010 and his professional background is marked by a commitment to city governance and community engagement. As the situation develops, authorities continue to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the community. This incident has prompted officials and the public to reflect on the importance of community safety and the need for swift action in such violent events.
While the incident remains under investigation, the community is awaiting further details and developments. The police department is working closely with the magazine to gather information and piece together the full context of the attack. Local officials have condemned the violence and are focusing on the well-being of the victims while also ensuring the safety of the broader community. This tragic event underscores the importance of addressing such acts of violence and the need for continued vigilance and support for those affected.
As the investigation progresses, it is essential to remain informed and cautious about any additional developments. The community and local authorities are united in their efforts to understand the motives behind the attack and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. This event has reignited discussions about public safety, community support, and the role of local governance in ensuring the well-being of citizens.