Authorities in Danville are investigating a shocking assault that occurred at Showcase Magazine, where city councilman Lee Vogler works.
Police reported that the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes of Danville, entered the magazine’s office, confronted Vogler, and proceeded to douse him in a flammable liquid.
Following the assault, both men exited the building, and Hayes set Vogler on fire.
The condition of Vogler has not been disclosed, and as of now, Hayes is in police custody with charges pending.
It remains unclear if Hayes has legal representation ready to provide commentary on the case.
Brooks, the owner and publisher of Showcase Magazine, confirmed that two employees were present during the incident.
One employee contacted Brooks to relay the alarming situation, describing how Hayes forced his way into the office and targeted Vogler.
“Our door is locked,” Brooks stated. “They forced their way into the office, and went to Lee. The next thing, Lee is running through the office covered in gasoline, yelling for our officemate to call 911. The guy chased him outside and set him on fire.”
In the face of this violence, Brooks emphasized that there is no justification for such actions, stating, “There is no amount of pain you can be under that can justify you inflicting violence on others.”
The brutal assault has drawn swift condemnation from various politicians and elected officials across Virginia.
Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who called Vogler a good friend and a dedicated city councilman, issued a statement standing against the act of violence.
Similarly, both Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who are competing for the governorship of Virginia, expressed their support for Vogler and conveyed their thoughts and prayers for his recovery.
Andrew Brooks noted that there had been no indications prior to the attack that Vogler felt unsafe in his workplace or elsewhere.
Vogler, who works as a salesperson at Showtime Magazine, also contributes by writing community stories.
“He makes sales, but he also writes stories about our community,” Brooks explained.
Vogler’s commitment to his community extends beyond his role at the magazine; Brooks stated, “His passion is being on the city council. He loves when people call them with a concern that he can help them with, and he has been an asset to the community for much of his adult life.”
Having been elected to the Danville City Council over 12 years ago, Vogler is currently in his fourth term.
He is also a devoted father, actively coaching his two children’s sports teams, demonstrating a commitment both to his family and his community.
Vogler’s public service career began after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010, subsequently returning to his hometown to run for office.
In 2010, he founded a group called Moving Danville Forward, aimed at revitalizing the city.
Danville is located approximately 140 miles (227 kilometers) north of Charlotte, North Carolina.
This incident continues to raise concerns regarding safety and community violence within the region.
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