A disturbing act of violence unfolded in Danville, Virginia, on Wednesday morning as a sitting city council member, Lee Vogler, was deliberately set on fire in what authorities describe as a personal dispute.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, has been taken into custody following the attack, which occurred inside Vogler’s place of work.
According to a statement released by Danville Police, the assailant entered the office of Showcase Magazine, where Vogler works, carrying a 5-gallon container of gasoline.
Eyewitness and magazine publisher Andrew Brooks confirmed that Hayes forcefully entered the premises and doused Vogler with the flammable substance.
“Lee was attacked inside our office,” Brooks said in a widely circulated video on social media. “The man walked in with a bucket of gasoline and poured it directly on him.”
Following the confrontation, both Vogler and the suspect exited the building, at which point Hayes allegedly set Vogler ablaze.
Vogler, 38, was able to identify his attacker to authorities before being rushed to the hospital.
Police said Hayes fled the scene but was swiftly apprehended after witnesses provided a description of both the suspect and his vehicle.
Authorities emphasized that the shocking assault was not politically motivated.
“The investigation indicates the incident stems from a personal matter and is not connected to the victim’s political role or affiliations,” the Danville Police Department stated.
Danville, located in southern Virginia near the North Carolina border, was left stunned by the assault on the public official, who is widely known in the community for his civic involvement.
“This type of senseless violence has to stop,” Brooks added. “You do not have the right to hurt someone because you’re upset, especially not like this.”
As of press time, CNN reported that legal representation for Hayes had not yet been confirmed.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the small city, with local residents and government officials calling for justice and stronger measures to prevent such extreme acts of personal retaliation.
Authorities say more details will be released as the investigation continues.
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