BREAKING: Virginia GOP city councilor doused with gasoline and set on fire in office, suspect in custody

A city councilor in Virginia was set on fire on Wednesday afternoon in the office of a regional magazine by a person armed with gasoline. 

Per Showcase Magazine, at around 11:10 am, a person forced their way into the office of the magazine and doused Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, who serves as Director of Sales for the publication, with gasoline. 

In a video posted to Facebook, Andrew Brooks, publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, said that Vogler had "attempted to flee" and ran to the front of the building, where the suspect "followed him and set him on fire." 

Showcase said that during the attack, Vogler identified his attacker as Shotsie Buck. The publication said it was unknown whether this was the person’s real name or a nickname. The suspect is in the custody of the police. Per ABC News, suspect Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, allegedly fled the scene and was captured by officers a few blocks away from the building. 

Vogler and Hayes appeared to know each other, police said, "and the attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation."

The Danville Police Department revealed on Wednesday afternoon that Hayes has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding in connection with the attack. He is being held at the Danville City Jail under no bond. 

Vogler has been transported to the Lynchburg burn center for treatment. His current condition is unknown. 

"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," Showcase Magazine said. 

Vogler has been a member of the council since 2012, when he was the youngest person elected to the board at the age of 24. His current term runs until the end of 2029. In 2023, Vogler ran in the Republican primary to replace Virginia State Sen. Frank Ruff, who retired, but ultimately lost. 

Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said in a statement, "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. 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."

Governor Glenn Youngkin wrote, "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."