A Danville city councilman was doused with gasoline and set on fire in his workplace by a 29-year-old man in what investigators describe as a personal attack unrelated to politics.

According to WXII 12, Lee Vogler was attacked at Showcase Magazine office where he works when suspect Shotsie Hayes forced his way into the building carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline. The incident occurred around 11:30 this morning and has left the Virginia community in shock.

Investigators stressed that this attack on the Danville City Council member was personal and was not related to his position on the city council or his political affiliation. Hayes poured gasoline on Vogler inside the magazine office before pursuing him outside and igniting the flames. A nearby employee witnessed the attack and rushed to help extinguish the fire before emergency responders arrived.

Terrifying Attack Unfolds at Magazine Office

Andrew Brooks, publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, witnessed the horrifying assault on his coworker. Brooks described how Hayes forced his way into their office, carrying gasoline, and immediately targeted Vogler.

"An individual forced his way into our office carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline and poured the gasoline on Lee," Brooks said. "Lee attempted to flee and ran to the front of the building. The individual followed him and set him on fire."

Vogler attempted to escape the building after being doused with the flammable liquid, running toward the front of the building while Hayes followed in pursuit. The attack escalated when Hayes caught up with Vogler outside the magazine office where he ignited the flames.

Emergency Response and Medical Treatment

Hayes then set Vogler on fire after he had been covered in gasoline outside the building. A receptionist from a nearby business reported that one of their employees saw Vogler burning and rushed to help extinguish the flames.

Vogler sustained serious burn injuries requiring immediate specialized medical care and was airlifted to a burn unit at a hospital in Chapel Hill for treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed by authorities or medical personnel.

Hayes fled the scene on foot but was apprehended several blocks away from the magazine office without incident. Police took him into custody following a brief search of the area, and he has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.

Community Responds with Shock and Support

The violent attack has sent shockwaves throughout Danville and the broader Virginia community. Brooks expressed his dismay at the senseless violence, stating that personal disputes should never escalate to such dangerous levels.

"This type of senseless act of violence has to stop," Brooks said. "You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them in any way, much less this way."

Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones addressed the attack in a public statement expressing the community's shock. "Our community was shaken by an unthinkable act of violence against Councilman Lee Vogler," Jones said, asking residents to pray for Vogler and his family while writing that the community is "standing with him—and with each other."

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Security in the workplace matters. Even everyday work environments can become vulnerable targets when personal disputes escalate. It’s crucial for offices—especially those serving the public or housing high-profile employees—to implement security measures like visitor controls and surveillance systems.

2. Act quickly and call for help. The bravery of the bystander who rushed to put out the flames on Vogler likely prevented even more severe injuries. In emergencies, quick thinking from those nearby can be critical, but it's equally important to contact emergency services immediately.

3. No one is immune to violence. This incident underscores that crime can affect anyone, no matter how civic-minded or well-liked. While precautions help, such acts reflect deeper issues that communities must address together. It’s important never to blame victims for crimes committed against them.

Why This Story Matters

The attack on Lee Vogler is not just a personal crisis—it’s a community crisis. It exposes the real consequences of interpersonal conflict and the need for mental health and crisis intervention resources. Danville residents see Vogler as a symbol of progress, and any threat to community leadership is a threat to that momentum. This case demonstrates the necessity of safeguarding civic spaces for both public servants and private citizens alike.

Conclusion

City Councilman Lee Vogler was the target of a violent personal attack at his workplace in Danville, Virginia, when 29-year-old Shotsie Hayes doused him in gasoline and set him on fire. The attack happened inside a local magazine office before continuing outside, where bystanders helped extinguish the flames. Vogler was airlifted to a burn unit, while Hayes was later arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder. The incident, described by local officials as senseless and traumatic, has triggered calls for reflection, justice, and community resilience as the investigation continues.