Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, was the victim of a brutal attack at his workplace on July 30, when a man forced his way into the Showcase Magazine office, poured gasoline on him, and set him on fire outside the building. The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. local time, and Vogler was immediately airlifted to a regional burn center in Lynchburg, where he remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
The suspect, identified by police as 29‑year‑old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes of Danville, fled the scene but was apprehended just a few blocks away. He is currently held without bond at Danville City Jail, charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.
The police released a statement, saying, “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.”
Eyewitness Andrew Brooks, publisher of Showcase Magazine, recounted in a video that the assailant had forced entry carrying a five-gallon container of flammable liquid. Brooks described Vogler running through the office covered in gasoline before the attacker followed and ignited him outside. Vogler was still able to identify his attacker, and Brooks said Vogler was conscious as he was flown to the burn center.
The attack drew swift condemnation from civic leaders. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones issued statements offering prayers and support for Vogler’s recovery. Vice Mayor James Buckner, speaking for the council, called the act “senseless violence” and urged community solidarity and prayer for the victim’s family.
Vogler first took office in May 2012 at age 24, making history as the youngest-ever Danville council member. A managing partner at the Andrew Brooks Media Group, he is also a father and youth sports coach. His colleagues described him as deeply committed to community service and civic engagement, and said the news of the attack has profoundly shaken the city.
Officials continue to investigate how the attacker gained access to the locked office building and are seeking public assistance in gathering additional information as the case develops.
