Virginia city councilman doused with gasoline and set on fire in horrific workplace attack, suspect arrested

​

A Virginia city council member was rushed to a burn center after a man poured gasoline on him and set him on fire inside his workplace on Wednesday. 

Danville City Council member Lee Vogler, 39, of Danville, was working in the Showcase Magazine office at about 11 a.m. local time, when Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, allegedly forced his way into the building carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline, according to the Danville Police Department and Showcase Magazine owner Andrew Brooks. 

Police said Hayes poured the gasoline on Vogler as he tried to run to the front of the building and then lit him on fire.

He is charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, according to officials. He is being held in the Danville City Jail without bond.

DRIVER SHOT, ASSAULTED AFTER PLOWING THROUGH CROWD, INJURING 30: LA OFFICIALS

Vogler reportedly identified Hayes during the attack, helping authorities make a quick arrest after Hayes allegedly fled the scene, police said.

Hayes was stopped a few blocks away and taken into custody without incident. 

“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,” according to a statement from the department. 

CALIFORNIANS CONFRONT MAN ACCUSED OF STARTING LA FIRE UNTIL POLICE MAKE ARREST

Vogler was airlifted to a regional medical facility for treatment, officials said. His current condition is unknown. 

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” Showcase wrote in a statement. “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.” 

Vogler was elected to Danville City Council in May 2012, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at age 24, according to the city’s website. 

He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010 and serves as sales director at Showcase Magazine.

BOULDER TERROR ATTACK WITNESS DESCRIBES ‘HORRIFIC’ SCENE AT PRO-ISRAEL RALLY

John Reid, who is running for Lieutenant Governor, wrote on X that the incident was an issue of “humanity.”

“What happened in Danville is horrifying,” Reid wrote in the post. “A deranged individual broke into the offices of Showcase Magazine and set City Councilman J. Lee Vogler on fire. Let me say this as clearly as I can: Violence has no place in our Commonwealth. No disagreement ever justifies hatred, threats, or brutality. 

“Today, we stand with J. Lee Vogler. We are praying for his full recovery, for strength in the days ahead, and for peace for his loved ones and the entire Danville community. This is about humanity. It’s about drawing a line and saying, ‘Enough.’ We can disagree without dehumanizing. We can debate without descending into chaos. Virginia is better than this. And we all have a role to play in keeping it that way.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Showcase Magazine, Danville City Council and Vogler’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.