Authorities in Vermont arrested a suspect for intentionally setting fire to Sen. Bernie Sanders' office in Burlington.
Shant Soghomonian was apprehended on federal charges after allegedly dousing the entrance to the office with an accelerant before setting it on fire, trapping several staffers who had to be rescued by firefighters. (RELATED: Bernie Sanders Engages In Explosive Altercation With Fox Reporter)
Police and prosecutors say that Soghomonian, 35, was caught on multiple surveillance cameras starting the fire on Friday while several staffers were working inside.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont announced Soghomonian's arrest Sunday. Because the building he targeted is also used for interstate commerce, he will be prosecuted at the federal level.
According to court documents, Soghomonian sprayed liquid near the door to Sanders' office on the third floor before igniting “the area with a handheld lighter.”
“A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives,” a statement from the Burlington Police Department added. (RELATED: ‘Sit Down! You're A United States Senator!' Fistfight Nearly Breaks Out On Capitol Hill)
ABC News has more:
Soghomonian, who also goes by the name Michael Soghomonian, was arrested after police released surveillance photos of the suspect and asked for the public's help in identifying him, according to police.
A motive for the incident remains under investigation, according to police.
The suspect was charged with using fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce and as a place of activity affecting interstate commerce, according to a federal complaint.
If found guilty, Soghomonian could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison and fined $250,000.
He is waiting for his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle.
“I am deeply grateful to the swift, professional, coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement in response to the fire at my Vermont office on Friday,” a statement from Sanders read. “I am also thankful that none of the many people who were in the office building at the time of the fire were injured. I appreciate the outpouring of support and well-wishes for me and my staff. We are proud to be able to continue to serve Vermonters during these challenging times.”
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