Virginia city councilman doused with gasoline and set on fire in horrific workplace attack, suspect arrested

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Magazine owner describes moment a city councilman in Virginia was set on fire

Andrew Brooks, owner and publisher of Showcase Magazine, describes how one of his employees, Danville City Council member Lee Vogler, was set on fire by an attacker while working at his Virginia office, on Wednesday. (Showcase Magazine via Facebook)

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A Virginia city council member was rushed to a burn center after a man poured gasoline on him and set him on fire inside his workplace on Wednesday. 

Danville City Council member Lee Vogler, 39, of Danville, was working in the Showcase Magazine office at about 11 a.m. local time, when Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, allegedly forced his way into the building carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline, according to the Danville Police Department and Showcase Magazine owner Andrew Brooks. 

Police said Hayes poured the gasoline on Vogler as he tried to run to the front of the building and then lit him on fire.

He is charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, according to officials. He is being held in the Danville City Jail without bond.

Danville, Va., City Council member Lee Vogler was airlifted to the hospital after the attack. (@leevogler via Instagram)

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Vogler reportedly identified Hayes during the attack, helping authorities make a quick arrest after Hayes allegedly fled the scene, police said.

Hayes was stopped a few blocks away and taken into custody without incident. 

“Based on the investigation at the time of this release, the victim and the suspect are known to each other and the attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation,” according to a statement from the department. 

Mugshot of Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, suspected of setting Danville, Va., Councilman Lee Vogler on fire Wednesday. (Danville Police Department)

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Vogler was airlifted to a regional medical facility for treatment, officials said. His current condition is unknown. 

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” Showcase wrote in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his family as he receives medical care. The Showcase Magazine team is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.” 

The alleged attempted murder happened at the Showcase Magazine building, where Danville, Va., Councilman Lee Vogler was working Wednesday. (Google Maps)

Vogler was elected to Danville City Council in May 2012, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at age 24, according to the city’s website. 

He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010 and serves as sales director at Showcase Magazine.

Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said the community was shaken by the act of violence.

“Lee is a member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting,” Jones wrote in a statement. “Our prayers are with Lee and his loved ones. We are grateful to our first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. Our Council is close. We’ve worked through challenges together—and now, we face this heartbreak together. Please continue to pray for Lee and his family. We’re standing with him—and with each other.”

Danville, Va., City Councilman Lee Vogler was attacked Wednesday while at work.  (City of Danville, Virginia)

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin took to X to send his prayers.

“Our prayers go out to Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler who was violently attacked at his workplace earlier today,” Youngkin wrote. “We pray for a swift recovery for Lee and peace to be on the entire Danville community.”

Sen. Tammy Mulchi, R-Va., noted on Facebook she enjoyed getting to know Vogler over the last few years.

“I want to wholeheartedly condemn this act of violence and express my full support for the efforts to bring the assailant to justice,” Mulchi wrote in a post. “One thing I know that he loves more than representing the people of Danville is the love of his family. I pray during this difficult time for his swift and complete recovery. Violence like this has no place in our community and should not be tolerated!”

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John Reid, who is running for lieutenant governor, added the incident was an issue of “humanity.”

“What happened in Danville is horrifying,” Reid wrote in an X post. “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. No disagreement ever justifies hatred, threats, or brutality. Today, we stand with J. Lee Vogler.”

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Showcase Magazine, Danville City Council and Vogler’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation and influence government response.