Virginia Politician Doused in Gasoline then Set on Fire

Danville, Virginia — Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, is recovering in a hospital after being severely burned in what police have described as a personal, targeted attack at his workplace on Wednesday. The shocking incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. outside Showcase Magazine, where Vogler is a managing partner.

According to the Danville Police Department, Vogler was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire by 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes. The suspect fled the scene but was quickly apprehended nearby without further incident. Authorities confirmed the two men knew each other and emphasized that the attack was not 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,” the department said in a statement.

Vogler was airlifted for emergency treatment. Initial reports indicated he was taken to a burn unit in Lynchburg, though later statements from officials and colleagues suggest he may have been transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill for specialized care. His condition remains undisclosed, but he is reportedly conscious and able to communicate.

Video statements shared by Showcase Magazine publisher Andrew Brooks confirmed disturbing details: the suspect entered the office with a five-gallon bucket of gasoline, doused Vogler, and chased him outside before igniting the fuel. Brooks, visibly shaken, said, “This type of senseless act of violence has to stop. You don’t have the right to harm someone just because you’re upset.”

Police are continuing to interview witnesses, including the magazine's Associate Publisher, who reportedly saw the incident unfold.

Hayes has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He is currently being held without bond at the Danville City Jail.

A Community in Shock

The attack has stunned the Danville community, where Vogler has served on the City Council since 2012. Elected at age 24, he became the youngest person ever elected to the council. His current term runs through 2029.

Mayor Alonzo Jones issued a heartfelt 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. Our Council is close. We've worked through challenges together—and now, we face this heartbreak together.”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also responded publicly, offering prayers for Vogler and his recovery.

“We pray for a swift recovery for Lee and peace to be on the entire Danville community,” he said in a Facebook post.

The Faith & Freedom Coalition, identifying Vogler as a Republican, shared support on social media, calling him a “dedicated public servant who has served his community with faith-inspired commitment.” The group urged supporters to pray for Vogler’s healing and highlighted broader concerns about violence against public figures.

About Lee Vogler

Vogler is a lifelong Danville resident and a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to his role at Showcase Magazine, he is active in regional planning and economic development boards. In 2017, he was named Virginia’s Local Legislator of the Year.

Photos on his public social media accounts show him engaging with leaders across the political spectrum, underscoring the non-partisan nature of Danville’s City Council.

The investigation is ongoing, and the community continues to rally behind Councilman Vogler and his loved ones during what city leaders have called an unimaginable tragedy. Authorities have not yet released further updates on his condition or the precise motive behind the attack.