Virginia Councilman Set on Fire in Shocking Office Attack

Officials say Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes forced his way into Vogler’s work, doused him with gasoline, and set him on fire.

Published July 30, 2025

Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler has been rushed to the hospital after an attacker poured gasoline on him and set him on fire.

Vogler was at the offices of Showcase Magazine owner Andrew Brooks when the attack occurred. Police say 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes forced his way into the offices carrying a five-gallon container full of gas and poured it on Vogler. The Councilman tried to escape but the attacker pursued him and set him on fire.

Danville police say the attack was unrelated to Vogler’s work as a City Councilman.

We are shocked by the horrific attack on our friend & fellow young Republican, Danville Councilman Lee Vogler.

Please join us in praying for Lee, his family & the entire Danville community. We condemn this senseless act of violence and stand united with him. pic.twitter.com/aN3kwzcTR6
— Virginia Young Republicans (@VirginiaYRs) July 30, 2025

Vice-Mayor James Buckner confirmed that the incident happened and asked for prayers for Vogler. Vogler was taken to the Lynchburg burn center before being flown by helicopter to UNC Chapel Hill. (RELATED: 78 Sheriffs Endorse Jason Miyares for AG)

What happened to Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler is absolutely tragic & horrifying. Lee is a good man.

Violence has no place in our Commonwealth or Nation. Tracy & I are sending our thoughts & prayers to Lee & his family for a full recovery. We should all condemn this…
— Congressman John McGuire (@RepJohnMcGuire) July 30, 2025

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” Showcase said statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his family as he receives medical care. The Showcase Magazine team is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.”

“This type of senseless act of violence has to stop,” Andrew Brooks said in a video posted to Faceook. “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.”

Vogler works as Sales Director for Showcase Magazine.

Vogler was first elected to the council in May 2021 at the age of 24. He was the youngest person to hold the position. (RELATED: Study Links Immigration Crisis to Rising Rent Costs)