Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler Set on Fire in Shocking Attack
Danville, VA City Councilman Lee Vogler was set on fire in a shocking attack at his workplace. The assailant, reportedly known to Vogler, was arrested. The councilman was airlifted for treatment as the city reels in horror.
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In a chilling and unprecedented act of violence, Danville, Virginia, City Councilman Lee Vogler was set on fire at his workplace on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The attack, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, highlighting the dangerous intersection of personal vendettas and public service.
Vogler, 38, was at his office at Showcase Magazine when a man burst in, doused him with gasoline, and ignited him. The assailant, identified as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, was arrested shortly after the incident. Witnesses described Vogler attempting to flee, but the attacker pursued him outside the building, where the horrific act was completed. Vogler, conscious and talking, was airlifted to a burn center in Lynchburg for treatment, though the extent of his injuries remains unclear.
Police have stated that the attack appears to stem from a personal matter unrelated to Vogler’s political role, but the brutality of the act has raised alarms about the safety of public officials. Andrew Brooks, owner and publisher of Showcase Magazine, confirmed the details via a Facebook video, noting, “Lee attempted to flee, ran to the front of the building, the individual followed him and set him on fire.” The Danville Police Department’s statement underscored the swift response that led to Hayes’ apprehension without further incident.
The reaction on social media has been one of outrage and horror. On X, users have expressed shock, with @UKJ0N stating, “What happened in Danville is horrifying. 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.” Local conservative John Reid echoed this sentiment, calling for a rejection of violence in public discourse.
The community of Danville and the nation await further updates on Vogler’s condition and the possible legal proceedings against Hayes.