In a shocking incident Wednesday morning, city councillors in Danville, Virginia, faced an alarming assault when a man reportedly attacked them with gasoline.
City Councilman Lee Vogler, age 38, managed to escape after 29-year-old Michael Buck Hayes doused him in fuel while surprising him in an office setting, according to local law enforcement and magazine publishers.
As Vogler fled to the building’s front, Hayes allegedly pursued him and set him ablaze.
Emergency responders quickly arrived and assisted Vogler, who was later airlifted to a hospital in North Carolina for treatment.
“Lee is awake and speaking, on the way to the Burns Center in Lynchburg,” said Andrew Brooks, publisher of the local magazine, who expressed his distress over the event. “Our hearts and prayers are with him,” he added, acknowledging the uncertainty of the situation.
The full extent of Vogler’s injuries remains unclear at this point.
After the attack, Hayes fled but was eventually captured by the police a few blocks away. Authorities have indicated that he is now in custody, with charges forthcoming.
Officials also revealed that Hayes and Vogler were acquainted and that the attack was rooted in personal matters unrelated to any political affiliations.
Lee Vogler has been a member of the Danville City Council since May 2012, making him the youngest person to hold the position at just 24 years old. He holds a degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a managing partner at Andrew Brooks Media Group.
Additionally, Vogler serves on the Virginia Small Business Committee, having been appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in July 2022.
An investigation is currently ongoing.
This is an evolving story, and updates will follow.
