A Republican city councilman in Virginia was set on fire Wednesday in what the police have claimed was a “personal” attack.
Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler was at the office of his day job with Showcase Magazine when suspect Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes forced his way in around 11:10 a.m., according to the magazine.
This is the young Republican who was set on fire, Lee Vogler, after winning his election for City Councilman.
Pray for his recovery from this heinous act.
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) July 30, 2025
According to the Danville Police Department, Hayes immediately confronted Vogler and “doused him with a flammable liquid.”
According to a Facebook video published by Showcase Magazine owner Andrew Brooks, Vogler “attempted to flee” to the front of the building, but Hayes “followed him and set him on fire.”
Hayes then fled the scene in his vehicle but was captured a few blocks away by the local police department.
‘YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT’: Publisher of Showcase Magazine Andrew Brooks describes the terrifying moment Virginia city council member Lee Vogler was set on fire by an attacker. pic.twitter.com/IMVqgb3iXo
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 31, 2025
Hayes, 29, has since been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.
Vogler, meanwhile, “sustained serious burn injuries and was transported to the Lynchburg burn center for treatment,” according to the magazine.
Late Wednesday, Vogler’s mother reportedly posted to social media asking for prayers for her son.
“Urgent prayers for my son Lee Vogler,” she wrote on Facebook. I believe in the power of prayer. I told Lee God’s got him, and we’re praying for him. I appreciate all of you and your prayers.”
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” the magazine said in its own statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his family as he receives medical care. The Showcase Magazine team is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.”
The police have determined that the attack wasn’t politically motivated.
“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,” according to the police.
Vogler won reelection last fall. He’s been in office since 2012, when he became the youngest person to become a Danville city councilmember.
From 2012. pic.twitter.com/1PDXZsDmPr
— City Councilman Lee Vogler (@LeeVogler) August 17, 2019
The Vogler attack prompted statements from Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“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,” Jones said. “Lee is a member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting.”
“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,” he added.
Our prayers go out to Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler who was violently attacked at his workplace earlier today. We pray for a swift recovery for Lee and peace to be on the entire Danville community.
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) July 30, 2025
Virginia Sen. Tammy Mulchi also issued a statement on Vogler’s behalf.
“I want to wholeheartedly condemn this act of violence and express my full support for the efforts to bring the assailant to justice,” she wrote on Facebook. “One thing I know that he loves more than representing the people of Danville is the love of his family. I pray during this difficult time for his swift and complete recovery. Violence like this has no place in our community and should not be tolerated!”
Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial candidate John Reid also addressed the attack.
“What happened in Danville is horrifying,” he wrote on X. “A deranged individual broke into the offices of Showcase Magazine and set City Councilman J. Lee Vogler on fire. Let me say this as clearly as I can: Violence has no place in our Commonwealth. No disagreement ever justifies hatred, threats, or brutality. Today, we stand with J. Lee Vogler.”
Speculation has emerged online that Vogler was attacked because he “stole” Hayes’ wife:
Lee Vogler pictured here with both the suspect and the suspect’s soon-to-be ex-wife.
I gotta think this was a crime of passion & that Vogler was canoodling with this young lady. pic.twitter.com/APoM120MUv
— Crash (@crashcampbell84) July 30, 2025
It’s not clear whether this theory is accurate or not.
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Author: Vivek Saxena
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