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Danville Councilman Lee Vogler Airlifted to Burn Center After Gasoline Attack; Suspect Arrested

Authorities say the assault stemmed from a personal dispute unrelated to Vogler’s council duties

Danville City Councilman J. Lee Vogler
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A bumper sticker outside the offices of Showcase Magazine in Danville, Va., where city Councilmember Lee Vogler was attacked and set on fire, is seen on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Overview

  • Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, was taken into custody several blocks from the Showcase Magazine office after witnesses provided a description of him and his vehicle.
  • Danville police confirmed that Hayes and Vogler knew each other and that no political motive was involved in the attack.
  • Vogler, 38, was airlifted to a specialized burn center in Lynchburg where he remains awake and communicating with medical staff.
  • Leaders from both major parties have condemned the violence and called for prayers and support for Vogler and his family.
  • The Danville Police Department has launched an attempted murder investigation and said formal charges against Hayes are forthcoming.