In a horrifying incident that took place in the purple state of Virginia, a city council in the small city of Danville was attacked and set on fire in his office by a berserk personal enemy who was armed with a can of gasoline and a way of lighting it on fire. That attacked, small-city politician is Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, a Republican.
According to media reports of the incident that have emerged, Mr. Volger was attacked while working in his office at the Showcase Magazine facility, where he works as Director of Sales, in addition to his role in the Danville city government. The attack occurred at around 11:10 am local time, when an irate individual, later identified as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, burst into the office with his can of gasoline.
Mr. Volger tried to flee from Hayes, and raced toward the front of the building. Hayes caught up to him, however, and doused him in gasoline that he then set on fire, burning Mr. Volger severely. Hayes then reportedy fled the Showcase Magazine facility and was apprehended by local law enforcement officers a few blocks away.
Commenting on the matter in a press release, the Danville government noted that it appears the attack was personal, rather than rooted in politics. It said, “The Danville Police Department does not typically identify living victims in media releases, however due to his public position as an elected official, the victim of this attack was identified as Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, of Danville. 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 statement also provided that Mr. Volger is being treated at a nearby medical facility, providing, “The Danville Fire Department and the Danville Life Saving Crew also responded to the scene to render aid. The male victim was airlifted to a regional medical facility for treatment. The full extent of his injuries are not known at the time of this release.” However, the city government also noted that there is still an ongoing investigation, and so it will not provide more details about the incident.
Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones issued a statement about the horrible attack later in the afternoon, saying, “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.”
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He added, “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.”
Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin also commented on the awful attack, saying, “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.”
Showcase Magazine, for its part as his employer, said, “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.”
Featured image credit: Mr. Volger’s official picture from the city of Danville government website