A suspect has been detained following a shocking incident in which Danville, Virginia, city council member Lee Vogler was set ablaze. Authorities have stated that the attack is related to a personal dispute and is not connected to Vogler’s political role or affiliations.
The accused, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, confronted Vogler at his workplace, where he allegedly poured a flammable liquid over him. An eye-witness described how Hayes forcibly entered the magazine office and doused Vogler with gasoline from a five-gallon bucket. Reports indicate that Vogler tried to escape, but Hayes pursued him outside and ignited him on fire.
After the assault, Hayes fled the scene, but witnesses were able to provide descriptions of him and his vehicle. Vogler was airlifted to a burn unit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, although the full extent of his injuries is still undetermined.
Hayes has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding and is currently being held at the Danville City Jail without the possibility of bond. There are questions regarding whether he has legal representation; the Danville Public Defender has commented that his office cannot take on Hayes’s case due to personal ties with Vogler.
The attack has sparked widespread concern, with officials and community members expressing their shock and support for Vogler. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones have both condemned the violence, with Jones calling it an “unthinkable act.” Many in the community, including fellow council members and local publications, have shared their prayers and hope for Vogler’s recovery, expressing the need for an end to such senseless violence.
Danville’s community is well-known for its close-knit nature, and the attack has left many residents in shock. Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi has voiced her support for Vogler, highlighting his dedication to both his role as a council member and his family. As the situation unfolds, the response from various community leaders emphasises a unified plea for justice and healing in the aftermath of this tragic event.