A Virginia lawmaker was doused in gasoline and set alight at his office in a 'personal attack' by an unhinged local man, police say.
Danville City Councilman J. Lee Vogler, 38, was at the Showcase Magazine HQ when Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, stormed in at around 11.30am, it is alleged. Hayes dumped the contents of a 'five gallon container' on top of Vogler before setting him alight, according to the publication's owner Andrew Brooks.
Danville Police confirmed that Hayes and Vogler know each other and the attack stemmed from a 'personal matter', not Vogler's role as a public official.
Hayes' wife, Mary Alice Buck-Hayes, filed for divorce from him just two weeks ago. The couple had only appeared to marry in 2023. No further details have been shared on the alleged 'personal' matter or how the two men knew one another.
Investigators have not commented on any potential mental health issues or whether the divorce played a role in Hayes' actions.
READ MORE: Shotsie Buck Hayes Photos Revealed: Online Wedding Site of Lee Volger's Attacker Found
Family Man and Local Leader
Vogler is married to his wife Blair Vogler, with whom he shares two young children. He recently posted a glowing 40th birthday tribute to her on Facebook, writing: 'The kids and I are so blessed to have you in our lives.'
Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight
Vogler attempted to flee the office but was chased to the front of the building, where the suspect ignited the liquid and set him ablaze, said Brooks.
Vogler was airlifted to Central Lynchburg General Hospital and was described as 'awake and talking', although police did not share details about his injuries.
Witnesses helped officers track down the suspect, who was stopped several blocks away and taken into custody without incident. Charges are pending, and police have declined to share additional information due to the ongoing investigation.
Eyewitness Describes Harrowing Scene
Andrew Brooks, owner of Showcase Magazine, shared an emotional video online, stating: 'An individual forced his way into our office carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline, and poured it on Lee.'
'This type of senseless act of violence has to stop,' Brooks added. 'You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them in any way—much less this way.'
Accomplished Public Servant
Vogler, a Danville native, made history in May 2012 when he was elected to the City Council at just 24 years old—the youngest to ever hold the position. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010 and now serves as Managing Partner at Andrew Brooks Media Group.
He also serves on the Virginia Small Business Commission, a role he was appointed to by Governor Glenn Youngkin in July 2022.
