(NewsNation) — Police said a Virginia city councilman was set on fire in what they’re calling a personal attack.
Danville City Councilman J. Lee Vogler, 38, was confronted by a man at his office around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, who then poured gasoline on him. Once they both left the building, Vogler was then set on fire.
Vogler was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries are not known, though authorities said he suffered from “serious burn injuries.”
The suspect was later identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, who allegedly fled the scene but was seen by witnesses.
Hayes was taken into custody during a traffic stop. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, according to police. He is currently being held in the Danville City Jail without bond.
In a statement, police said Vogler and Hayes knew each other, and the attack stemmed from a personal matter and is not related to his position on the council or his political affiliation.
Lawmakers react to attack on J. Lee Vogler
U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith said he “is very concerned about the violent actions Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler. “Our prayers are with Councilman Vogler for recovery. Our civil society does not tolerate violent actions.”
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine called the attack “deeply upsetting.”
“I’m praying for Lee’s full recovery and for his family,” said Kaine. “I’m thankful law enforcement swiftly identified and apprehended a suspect.
“Our prayers go out to the Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler who was violently attacked at his workplace earlier today,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We pray for a swift recovery for Lee and peace to be on the entire Danville community.”
Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, Abigail Spanberger, also commended law enforcement on their “swift action” in apprehending Hayes.
“I’m horrified by today’s attack against a sitting public servant in Danville. Adam and I are praying for City Councilman Vogler, his family, and the entire Danville community, wrote Spanberger. “I’m deeply grateful to Virginia’s first responders for their swift action and the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspect.”
Danville City Mayor Alonzo Jones shared his thoughts on the incident involving council member Lee Volger.
“Today, our community was shaken by an unthinkable act of violence against Councilman Lee Vogler—our colleague, our friend, and someone we care about deeply, wrote Jones. “Lee is a member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting.”
Jones continued, “Our prayers are with Lee and his loved ones. We are grateful to our first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. Our Council is close. We’ve worked through challenges together—and now, we face this heartbreak together. Please continue to pray for Lee and his family. We’re standing with him—and with each other.”
“I am saddened and horrified by the attack on Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler,” Democratic Party of Virginia chairman Lamont Bagby wrote on Facebook. “Violence has no place in our Commonwealth or politics. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this time, and we are praying for his full and swift recovery.”
NewsNation affiliate WFXR’s Paul Hess contributed to this report.
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Author: Jordan Perkins
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