Virginia Councilman Set on Fire During Personal Attack Inside His Office [WATCH]

Danville City Councilman J. Lee Vogler was hospitalized after being doused in gasoline and set on fire in what police described as a personal attack inside a magazine office where he works, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the headquarters of Showcase Magazine in Danville, Virginia.

Vogler, 38, was reportedly targeted by Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, who entered the building carrying a five-gallon container of flammable liquid.

DISTURBING

A Republican Virginia city councilman was set on fire by 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, who poured a five-gallon bucket of gas on him at his workplace, Showcase Magazine.

Councilman Lee Vogler was airlifted to a North Carolina hospital. pic.twitter.com/8vnc9x29TM

— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) July 30, 2025

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According to Andrews Brooks, the magazine’s owner, Hayes poured the liquid over Vogler before chasing him toward the front of the building and setting him on fire.

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Brooks said Vogler was airlifted to Central Lynchburg General Hospital. He was described as “awake and talking” at the time of transport. Police did not release further details about the extent of his injuries.

Hayes was identified as the suspect shortly after the attack. Authorities stated that he and Vogler were acquainted and that the incident stemmed from a personal matter unrelated to Vogler’s role in public office.

Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes pictured with Lee Vogler:https://t.co/VIrq83VYD0 pic.twitter.com/E2k40jo04n

— The Alpha Cow (@Marcus_Porcius2) July 30, 2025

According to court records, Hayes’ wife, Mary-Alice Buck-Hayes, filed for divorce two weeks prior to the attack.

Witnesses provided descriptions of both the suspect and his vehicle, which helped officers locate Hayes several blocks from the scene. He was taken into custody without incident.

3:55 p.m. 7/30/25 UPDATE: The Danville Police Department has charged Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, with attempted first degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding following the attack by burning Wednesday, July 30, on Lee Vogler. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/g0N4rEMZLx

— Danville VA Police (@DanvilleVAPD) July 30, 2025

Police said charges are pending but have not been formally announced due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

“This type of senseless act of violence has to stop,” said Brooks in a statement following the incident. “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.”

Vogler, a Danville native, made history in May 2012 when he was elected to the Danville City Council at age 24, becoming the youngest person to hold the position.

He holds a degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University and currently serves as Managing Partner at Andrew Brooks Media Group, which owns Showcase Magazine.

Police are expected to release additional updates and formal charges against Hayes in the coming days.

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