The man facing criminal charges after dousing a Virginia city councilman in gasoline and burning him wanted to kill the public official, police revealed Thursday.
Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, 29, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding of Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38. The defendant appeared in Danville court for his arraignment on Thursday morning.
The suspect admitted to dumping gasoline on Vogler and trying to kill him, the criminal complaint states. The motive behind the attack is believed to be personal and unrelated to the Republican councilman’s politics, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, when Buck-Hayes targeted Vogler at his workplace at Showcase Magazine. After the attacker doused the politician with gasoline, Vogler tried escaping the building but couldn’t get away in time. Buck-Hayes set him on fire outside the building.
Police responded to the emergency and quickly airlifted Vogler to a hospital. The extent of his injuries is unknown, as there has been no public update on his condition. He is believed to be alive.
Andrew Brooks, owner and publisher of Showcase Magazine, on Wednesday said Vogler was conscious and able to speak following the arson attack.
A first responder revealed third-degree burns covered Vogler’s torso, two arms, and one leg, per a live audio feed from Pittsylvania County Public Safety radio reported by the Virginia newspaper Cardinal News.
Multiple Virginia Republicans, including Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, condemned the act of violence and offered their prayers for Vogler and his family.
Danville City Council Mayor Alonzo Jones also issued a statement in response to Wednesday’s attack.
“Today, our community was shaken by an unthinkable act of violence against Councilman Lee Vogler—our colleague, our friend, and someone we care about deeply. Lee is a member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting,” Jones said.
“Our prayers are with Lee and his loved ones. We are grateful to our first responders and law enforcement for their swift action,” he added.
Buck-Hayes was arrested and taken into custody shortly after fleeing the scene in his vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing, the Danville Police Department said.
VIRGINIA CITY COUNCILMAN SET ON FIRE
Buck-Hayes is being held in the Danville jail without bail, according to court records.
He is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 30. By then, the judge will decide if there’s enough evidence for a grand jury to consider.