Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler was attacked at his place of work due to a personal, non-political matter, police say.

DANVILLE, Va. — A Danville city councilman was set on fire at around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Danville Police Department.

Police said someone confronted Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler at the 700 block of Main Street. The suspect allegedly doused him with a flammable liquid. 

Vogler and the suspect then left the building, where police said the suspect set him on fire.

The Danville Fire Department and the Danville Life Saving Crew responded to the scene and rendered aid to Vogler. He was later flown to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect drove away from the scene, but with witnesses’ help, police said they were able to track down the vehicle a few blocks away.

The driver, Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, was identified as the suspect and taken into custody, police said.

According to police, Vogler and Hayes are known to each other, and the attack stems from a personal matter, not related to politics or Vogler’s role as a city councilman.

The extent of Vogler’s injuries is unknown at this time. 

Police said Hayes is charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He is being held at the Danville City Jail under no bond.

The incident is still under investigation, according to police.


Statement from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

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


Statement from Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones

“Today, our community was shaken by an unthinkable act of violence against Councilman Lee Vogler—our colleague, our friend, and someone we care about deeply. Lee is a member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting.

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.”