A Danville, Virginia city councilman remains hospitalized after being doused with gasoline and set ablaze at his workplace Wednesday morning. Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the attack.
The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. at the offices of Showcase Magazine, where Councilman Lee Vogler works as sales director. Publisher Andrew Brooks reported that an unknown man entered the building carrying a five-gallon container of gasoline and went directly after Vogler.
When Vogler tried to escape toward the front entrance, the attacker followed and lit the gasoline. Despite the assault, Vogler was able to identify his attacker to responding officers, leading to the arrest.
Vogler was rushed to a Lynchburg burn center. Hospital officials have not released information about his injuries or current medical status.
Showcase Magazine released a brief statement calling the attack shocking and confirming their cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Vogler, 37, has served on Danville City Council since 2012, when he was elected at age 24 as the youngest council member in the city’s history. He’s a 2010 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.
Police have not revealed what motivated the attack. The investigation remains active.
