Fundraising efforts for Virginia City Councilman Lee Vogler, who suffered severe burns in an attack by a group this week, have now surpassed $50,000.
Initiated by a 38-year-old Republican from Danville along with friends and family of two fathers, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $55,741 by Sunday morning.
“On July 30, 2025, our friend, husband, father, and community leader Lee Vogler was the victim of a senseless act of violence,” said Andrew Brooks, the publisher of Showcase Magazine, where Vogler is employed.
“Some individuals entered the office and burned him at Showcase Magazine, where Lee serves as the marketing director,” Brooks added.
“Lee has endured second and third-degree burns covering more than half of his body and is currently in a stable yet serious condition at the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Clinic.
His wife, Blair, and their children are by his side as he embarks on a long, painful, and uncertain recovery. He’s facing multiple surgeries and likely months, if not years, of rehabilitation,” Brooks shared in his updates following the fundraising’s initial success.
“The generosity and love we’ve witnessed is overwhelming, genuinely making a difference,” he expressed.
Blair Vogler also extended her thanks to those who have supported her family.
“We are truly touched by the outpouring of love and support we’ve received in just 24 hours. Your prayers, messages, and generosity mean so much during this incredibly tough time,” she commented.
Authorities have identified the alleged attacker as 29-year-old Shotsy Michael Buckhayes, who reportedly dumped a five-gallon bucket of gasoline on Vogler.
The attack occurred at Vogler’s office in Danville, Virginia.
Buckhayes claimed that his alleged actions were rooted in personal issues unrelated to Vogler’s political views, though he did not clarify the motives.
He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, as stated by the Danville Police Department on Facebook.
Buckhayes is currently being held without bail at the Danville City Jail, and an investigation is ongoing.
