Virginia City Councilman set on fire in brutal attack suspect taken into custody in Danville office

A shocking and violent incident unfolded in Danville, Virginia on Wednesday when Lee Vogler, a 39-year-old city councilman, was attacked and set on fire inside his workplace.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes of Danville, allegedly poured gasoline on Vogler and ignited the flames inside the Showcase Magazine office.

Vogler, who serves as the sales director for the magazine, was airlifted to a regional medical facility for treatment, though his current condition has not been publicly disclosed.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time when Hayes reportedly entered the office carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline.

Police say that after Hayes doused Vogler with the gasoline, he ignited the fire, leaving the victim struggling to escape. Vogler attempted to flee to the front of the building but was unable to avoid the horrifying assault.

According to the Danville Police Department, Vogler was able to identify Hayes during the attack, which led to a rapid response from law enforcement.

Hayes allegedly fled the scene after setting Vogler on fire, but was soon apprehended just a few blocks away without resistance. Authorities confirmed that Hayes was arrested and taken into custody, facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He is currently being held without bond in the Danville City Jail.

The police investigation revealed that the attack stemmed from a personal matter unrelated to Vogler’s political position on the Danville City Council. Law enforcement clarified that the assault was not politically motivated, nor did it have any connection to Vogler's public service.

Despite this, the attack has left the community reeling and raised concerns about the safety of public officials.

The city of Danville was left in a state of shock after learning of the violent assault on one of its own public figures.

Mayor Alonzo Jones expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying, "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."

Jones’ statement reflects the tight-knit nature of the Danville community, where residents and officials alike have expressed their grief and support for Vogler.

The city, known for its history and close connections among its residents, has found itself grappling with a violent act that many feel is uncharacteristic of the area.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin responded to the attack by offering his condolences to Vogler and the city of Danville.

 "Our prayers go out to Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler who was violently attacked at his workplace earlier today," Youngkin wrote on social media. "We pray for a swift recovery for Lee and peace to be on the entire Danville community.

" The governor’s support reflected the broader concern over the senseless violence, particularly aimed at a public official.

Senator Tammy Mulchi, a Republican from Virginia, also condemned the attack. On Facebook, she shared her thoughts about Vogler’s contributions to the community and expressed full support for efforts to bring the assailant to justice.

"I want to wholeheartedly condemn this act of violence and express my full support for the efforts to bring the assailant to justice," Mulchi wrote. "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!"

John Reid, a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, also weighed in on the attack, calling it an issue of "humanity" rather than politics.

"What happened in Danville is horrifying," Reid posted on social media. "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."

The support from political figures, regardless of party affiliation, has underscored the widespread condemnation of the violent attack on Vogler, emphasizing that acts of violence against public servants should never be tolerated.

Lee Vogler, who has served on the Danville City Council since May 2012, was the youngest person ever elected to the position at the age of 24.

Known for his commitment to the community, Vogler has been a prominent figure in local politics and has worked on various initiatives to improve Danville.

He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010 and took on the role of sales director at Showcase Magazine, a publication that has been a part of the community for years.

Vogler’s work as a public servant has made him a well-respected figure in Danville, and his leadership on the city council has garnered admiration from his colleagues and constituents alike.

The attack on him, while shocking, has also highlighted the risks that public officials face, particularly as they work to address the needs and concerns of their communities.

While the specifics of Vogler’s recovery remain unclear, the community’s response has been one of unwavering support.

From the outpouring of prayers to the swift action taken by law enforcement, it is clear that the people of Danville stand united behind Vogler and his family as they navigate this tragic event.

The attack on Vogler raises questions about the safety of public officials, particularly in an era where tensions in politics can sometimes spill over into violence.

While this incident appears to have been rooted in a personal dispute rather than political differences, it underscores the need for increased security and support for public servants who may face threats due to their positions.

As the investigation into the attack continues, many will be looking for answers about what led to such a violent and extreme act.

Local law enforcement officials have vowed to continue working closely with federal agencies to ensure that the full scope of the crime is understood and that justice is served.

The attack has also sparked a broader conversation about the climate of political discourse and how individuals who hold public office can sometimes find themselves targets of violent acts. Whether or not the incident will have lasting political ramifications remains to be seen, but it is clear that the community of Danville is reeling from the shock and sorrow of seeing one of their own suffer such an extreme attack.

After the violent incident, Hayes was arrested just blocks from the scene. Police confirmed that Hayes was taken into custody without incident and later charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He is currently being held at the Danville City Jail without bond.

As the legal process moves forward, Hayes’s motive for the attack remains unclear. Authorities have stated that the victim and the suspect were known to each other, and that the violence stemmed from a personal issue unrelated to Vogler’s role as a city councilman.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as law enforcement continues to piece together the events leading up to the attack.

While Hayes’s arrest brings some closure to the immediate situation, the impact of the crime on the Danville community and its political landscape will likely be felt for some time.

The workplace where the attack occurred, Showcase Magazine, expressed its shock and sadness over the violent incident. In a statement, the magazine wrote, "We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence.

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 magazine’s response highlights the deep concern and care for Vogler’s well-being, as well as the impact this tragedy has had on his colleagues.

As the community of Danville processes the horrific events of Wednesday morning, the focus now shifts to the recovery of Lee Vogler and the pursuit of justice for the violent attack that was committed against him.

Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the attack, and Hayes’s arrest will serve as the first step toward accountability.

For now, the residents of Danville are united in their prayers for Vogler and his family, and they stand together in condemning the act of violence that shook their community.

As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that the truth will emerge and that justice will prevail, while the city works to heal from this traumatic event.

In the meantime, the political climate in Danville and beyond will likely be shaped by the events of this day, as public officials, law enforcement, and the community rally around those affected by the attack, striving for justice and support in the face of an unspeakable act of violence.