On the morning of July 30, around 11:30 a.m., Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, was attacked inside his workplace located in the Professional Building downtown—home to Showcase Magazine, where he also works

• On the morning of July 30, around 11:30 a.m., Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, was attacked inside his workplace located in the Professional Building downtown—home to Showcase Magazine, where he also works

• The assailant, 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, forcibly entered the office carrying a five-gallon container of gasoline, poured it over Vogler, and chased him outside where he ignited him

• Emergency responders arrived swiftly; Vogler was conscious and speaking as he was transported by air to a specialized burn center in Lynchburg for treatment

🧑 Who Is Lee Vogler

• Vogler was first elected to the Danville City Council in May 2012 at the age of 24—the youngest person ever to serve on the council—and is currently serving his fourth term as an Independent .

• In addition to his public role, he is the managing partner at Andrew Brooks Media Group, which publishes regional magazines including Showcase Magazine .

👤 About the Suspect

• The suspect, Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, is 29 years old and from Danville. He and Vogler already knew each other, and authorities emphasized the motive was personal, not political .

• Hayes fled the scene initially but was apprehended a few blocks away shortly afterward, reportedly still in his vehicle .

➕ Aftermath & Investigation

• Police and fire crews responded immediately, and Vogler was stabilized enough to speak on the way to the hospital .

• Authorities confirmed the incident is being treated as a criminal investigation. While the attack is linked to a personal dispute, charges are pending, and further details have not been released during the ongoing investigation .

• Publisher Andrew Brooks expressed profound shock and voiced the community’s concern, urging the public to stand against violence. Brooks confirmed Vogler was awake and communicative when paramedics took him to the burn center .

📌 Broader Context & Public Response

• Workplace attacks involving gasoline are exceptionally rare and extraordinarily dangerous. In past years within Virginia and nearby states, there have been isolated tragedies involving gasoline-based assaults, often in personal or domestic contexts—not public settings or workplace disputes .

• This incident underscores both growing concern over public safety for local officials and the need for heightened security in workplaces—even small offices like magazine shops.

✅ Summary Table

❤ Community Reaction & Outlook

• Vogler has served his community for over a decade, and local leaders and residents have voiced strong support—sending thoughts and prayers for his recovery.

• Authorities continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information to come forward as they build their case.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

This was a highly targeted and violent incident that rocked Danville, highlighting risks faced by public figures even in seemingly routine settings. As authorities complete their investigation, the community remains concerned and unified in support of Councilman Vogler and his family