DANVILLE, VA – The city of Danville is in shock after a beloved public servant, City Councilman Lee Vogler, was targeted in a brazen and violent attack at his place of business on Tuesday. In a horrifying sequence of events, a suspect entered Vogler’s office, doused him with gasoline, and set him on fire.
⭐ Today’s Top Story: At a Glance ⭐
- ✅ Main Event: A Danville city councilman was intentionally set on fire during an attack at his office.
- ✅ Victim’s Status: Councilman Lee Vogler suffered non-life-threatening burns and is recovering.
- ✅ Suspect Arrested: Police have arrested and charged 52-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes in connection with the attack.
- ✅ What’s Next: The suspect faces serious felony charges as the community rallies in support of Vogler.
📚 What’s Inside This Report?
🎯 The Shocking Attack: How It Unfolded
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Lee Vogler’s insurance office on Main Street in Danville. According to a statement from the Danville Police Department, a man entered the office and confronted the councilman. The situation escalated dramatically when the assailant threw a flammable liquid on Vogler. In what police are calling a targeted act, the Virginia city councilman Lee Vogler doused in gasoline and lit on fire in attack at his office.
Vogler, showing remarkable composure, was able to extinguish the flames himself before first responders arrived. The attack, which happened in broad daylight, has sent a wave of fear and disbelief through the normally quiet Virginia community. The motive for the attack is still under active investigation, but officials have been quick to condemn the violent act against a public official.
🔍 Suspect in Custody: Charges and Investigation
Danville police acted swiftly, identifying and apprehending a suspect shortly after the incident. Police said suspect Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes confronted the Danville City Council member before dousing him in flammable liquid and setting him on fire. Hayes, 52, was taken into custody and has been charged with several serious felonies, including malicious wounding, breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, and burning or destroying a building.
Authorities have not yet released details on a possible motive or whether there was any prior relationship between Hayes and Vogler. Hayes is currently being held without bond at the Danville City Jail. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement officials gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the assault. A credible report from AP News confirms these charges and the ongoing investigation.
💡 A Public Servant’s Resilience: Vogler’s Condition and Statement
Despite the traumatic experience, Councilman Vogler is reported to be in good spirits and on the path to recovery. He was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening burns to his head, neck, and hands. From his hospital bed, Vogler released a statement expressing his deep gratitude.
“I want to thank our amazing first responders, including the Danville Police Department, the Danville Fire Department, and the Danville Life Saving Crew for their swift action,” Vogler stated. He expressed profound relief that his wife, children, and office staff were not present and therefore unharmed during the attack. The violent nature of the Virginia city councilman Lee Vogler doused in gasoline and lit on fire in attack at his office has not appeared to dampen his commitment to public service, as he also thanked the community for their prayers and support.
📈 Community Outpouring and Official Reactions
The news of the attack has been met with widespread condemnation and an outpouring of support for Vogler and his family. Fellow council members, state officials, and residents have expressed their horror at the violence while praising Vogler’s character and dedication to Danville. The incident is a stark reminder of the risks public officials can face.
Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones called the attack “cowardly and shocking” and urged the community to come together in support of Vogler. The focus now is on both the councilman’s physical and emotional recovery and the judicial process for the accused. The fact that the Virginia city councilman Lee Vogler was doused in gasoline and lit on fire in an attack at his office serves as a chilling event that has united the city in both its condemnation of violence and its support for one of its own.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler was attacked at his insurance office. A suspect allegedly confronted him, doused him with a flammable liquid, and set him on fire. He was able to extinguish the flames himself and was treated for non-life-threatening burns.
The suspect has been identified by police as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 52, of Danville. He was arrested shortly after the incident and faces multiple felony charges, including malicious wounding and arson.
Councilman Vogler sustained non-life-threatening burns to his head, neck, and hands but is reportedly in good spirits and recovering. He released a statement thanking first responders and the community for their support, expressing gratitude that his family and staff were unharmed.
⚠️ Important Notice (Disclaimer)
This article is based on recent news reports and is for informational purposes. Events and details may change as the investigation proceeds. This is not legal or professional advice.