Virginia Republican Set Ablaze In Workplace Attack

Danville, Virginia, Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, was critically burned Monday morning in a violent attack at his downtown office.

According to investigators, 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes forced his way into Vogler’s workspace at a local magazine office carrying a five-gallon container of gasoline, doused the councilman with the fuel, and later chased him outside before setting him on fire. Vogler was rushed to a specialized burn center and is currently undergoing treatment.

Hayes allegedly poured a bucket of gas over Vogler and set him on fire as he attempted to flee outside, the Danville Police Department said.

A police spokesperson added the attack stemmed from a “personal matter” unrelated to Vogler’s public service. Hayes remains in custody, and authorities are continuing their investigation.

Hayes, also from Danville, is now in custody.

Vogler, a four-term city councilmember and managing partner at Andrew Brooks Media Group, was reportedly awake and communicating after being airlifted for medical care, according to the publisher.

Vogler is a Republican. He ran for the Republican nomination for Virginia’s 9th Senate District in early 2024. Voters and public filings also characterize him as a conservative activist and supporter of limited government, consistent with traditional Republican positions commonly found throughout Southside Virginia.

In a tearful Facebook video posted earlier on Wednesday, Showcase Magazine publisher Andrew Brooks said, “Lee is awake and talking, and is en route to the burns center in Lynchburg.”

“Our hearts and prayers are with him,” Brooks continued. “We don’t really know what to say.”

Police said Vogler was later transferred to a hospital in North Carolina, though his condition remains unknown.

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