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Danville Councilman Set Ablaze in Office Attack; Suspect Arrested

Authorities say the attack stemmed from a personal vendetta unrelated to Vogler’s council work.

Danville City Councilman J. Lee Vogler
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Overview

  • Around 11:30 a.m. on July 30, a man forced entry into the Showcase Magazine offices in Danville, doused Councilman Lee Vogler with gasoline and ignited him outside the building.
  • Police identified the assailant as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes and took him into custody several blocks from the scene.
  • Vogler was airlifted to a Lynchburg burn center where he remains conscious and able to communicate with medical staff.
  • The Danville Police Department confirmed the motive was personal rather than political and said charges are pending against the suspect.
  • The swift arrest has prompted broader concern over personal conflicts escalating into violence against public figures.