A horrifying scene unfolded in Danville, Virginia, on Wednesday when City Councilman Lee Vogler was doused in gasoline and set on fire in what officials are calling a targeted attack.
According to multiple reports, Vogler, 38, was inside the offices of Showcase Magazine when 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes allegedly dumped a five-gallon bucket of gasoline on him. When Vogler ran outside to escape, Hayes reportedly followed and set him ablaze.
Publisher Andrew Brooks, who witnessed the aftermath, said Vogler was able to identify his attacker before being airlifted to a burn center in Lynchburg. “Lee is awake and talking, and is en route to the burns center in Lynchburg,” Brooks said. “Our hearts and prayers are with him. We don’t really know what to say.”
Please join me in praying for Councilman Lee Vogler and for his family. We stand with Danville and support a full investigation into this attack.
Violence is never the answer and must be condemned.
— Lt. Governor of Virginia – Winsome Earle-Sears (@WinsomeSears) July 30, 2025
Authorities say Vogler and Hayes knew each other before the attack, though they do not believe the motive was political. Hayes has since been arrested.
The attack has shaken the community and prompted strong reactions from state leaders. Lt. Governor Winsome Sears called for prayers and accountability: “Please join me in praying for Councilman Lee Vogler and for his family. We stand with Danville and support a full investigation into this attack. Violence is never the answer and must be condemned.”
What happened in Danville is horrifying. 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,…
— John Reid (@JohnReid4VA) July 30, 2025
John Reid, a candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor, echoed those sentiments, describing the attack as “horrifying.” He added: “What happened in Danville is horrifying. 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.”
Reid urged Virginians to see the bigger picture: “This is about humanity. It’s about drawing a line and saying, ‘Enough.’ We can disagree without dehumanizing. We can debate without descending into chaos. Virginia is better than this. And we all have a role to play in keeping it that way.”
