The current state of the political climate in North America has been tumultuous over the last few months, to say the least; if it isn’t the presidential administration doing absolutely heinous things on behalf of what they consider to be the greater good, then it’s a state governor or someone similar trying to sneak their way through a risky law change. Despite this, not all politicians are the same, and many do not deserve the treatment they receive. Today, a Virginia councilman was set on fire inside his place of employment after being involved in a personal matter with another person.
On Wednesday, July 30, Danville, Virginia, councilman Lee Vogler was doused in gasoline and set on fire just outside the Showcase magazine offices, where the victim also worked. According to witnesses, a man entered the establishment, allegedly carrying a bucket of gasoline, and poured it over Vogler. The victim was able to walk outside before being set on fire by Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, someone who Vogler had allegedly known.
The news itself was broken by the publisher and owner of Showcase magazine, Andrew Brooks, via a Facebook video. In the video, he also states that Vogler was awake and able to talk while en route to a nearby burn center. About the attack, Brooks had to say, “This type of senseless act of violence has to stop. You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them in any way, much less this way.”
According to the Danville website, Vogler was elected to the Danville City Council in 2012, making him the youngest councilman ever, at just 24. Since then, he has been regarded as an excellent member of the community, even having been recognized by the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association as Virginia Local Legislator of the year in 2017.
Despite having fled the scene, suspect Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes was apprehended and taken into custody. Considering the context of the attack, it was announced that details of the reasoning behind the attack will not be shared, though charge information will be forthcoming.
