Virginia Councilman Set on Fire in Targeted Workplace Attack

Virginia councilman, Lee Vogler, 38, was set on fire at his workplace on Wednesday in what police say was a targeted personal attack.

The Details: Suspect Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, entered the building of Showcase Magazine, a local monthly publication, and dumped a five-gallon bucket of gasoline on Vogler before setting him on fire. Hayes fled the scene but was arrested nearby. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. Authorities said the attack was unrelated to Vogler’s politics or work as councilman. His current condition is unknown. 

For Context: Vogler was elected to Danville City Council in May 2012, becoming the youngest person ever elected to that position, at age 24. He is a managing partner at the Andrew Brooks Media Group, a marketing firm that publishes several regional magazines and operates a branded merchandise website and a music publishing company. Following the attack, Google searches for Vogler’s political affiliation increased despite officials citing a lack of political motivation. 

How the Media Covered It: Newsweek (Center bias) detailed the assault, and quoted Republican lawmakers and groups in Virginia who condemned the attack. Associated Press (Left) and New York Post (Lean Right) both contextualized the attack in recent politically motivated attacks on officials across the country, with New York Post saying it’s the “latest in a disturbing wave of violence targeting elected officials, including President Trump.” PBS (Lean Left) quoted both Repulican and Democratic lawmakers in Virginia who condemned the attack and sent wellwishes to Vogler.

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