Danville Councilman Lee Vogler is receiving treatment for third-degree burns after a brutal attack at his workplace.
On Wednesday, July 30, first responders in Danville were called to the scene of a brutal attack involving City Councilman Lee Vogler, who was doused in gasoline and set on fire while working at the Showcase Magazine office.
Police arrested 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes shortly after the attack, identifying him based on information provided by Vogler. Hayes is being held without bond and faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.
Authorities stated that the incident stemmed from a personal conflict between the two men and was not politically motivated.
Audio obtained by local broadcast channel ABC13 News (WSET) noted that Vogler received third-degree burns to 63% of his body, which impacted his torso, arms, and a leg. While initial reports indicated that Vogler was airlifted to a burn center in Lynchburg, multiple sources Thursday noted that the councilman is being treated at UNC Chapel Hill’s burn unit in North Carolina.
A word from local leadership
Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones released a statement the day of the 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 wrote. “Our prayers are with Lee and his loved ones. We are grateful to our first responders and law enforcement for their swift action.”
Vogler was first elected to the Danville City Council in 2012 at age 24. He was the youngest member elected to the seat at the time—and in the 2024 race, Vogler received the most votes ever cast for a candidate running for the council. Jones has served on the Danville City Council since 2010.
“Our Council is close. We’ve worked through challenges together—and now, we face this heartbreak together,” Jones continued in the statement. “Please continue to pray for Lee and his family. We’re standing with him—and with each other.”
Vogler’s family releases statement
The day following the attack, Blair Vogler, Lee’s wife, released a public statement.
“On behalf of our family, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Danville Life Saving Crew, Danville Fire Department, and Danville Police Department for their swift action, compassion, and professionalism during a time of crisis. As anyone who knows him would expect, he is facing this challenge the same way he’s faced every obstacle in his life—with courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. Lee is a fighter.
“Lee has dedicated over a decade of his life to serving the people of Danville. I have seen firsthand the tireless work, the late nights, and the unwavering commitment he brings to every decision he makes. He doesn’t take his responsibilities lightly—he carries the weight of this city’s hopes and challenges with sincerity, humility, and resolve.
“As his wife, I’ve stood beside him through the highs and lows, and I can attest to the integrity with which he serves. Beyond the headlines and the public moments, there is a man who deeply loves his family, city, and its people.
“We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support from the community. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as he continues to heal.”
Across the commonwealth
As news of the incident spread, a multitude of bipartisan federal and state legislators across Virginia took to social media, where they expressed everything from shock over the attack to recovery wishes for Vogler.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, released a statement on X the day of the attack, writing: “Our prayers go out to Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler who was violently attacked at his workplace earlier today. We pray for a swift recovery for Lee and peace to be on the entire Danville community.”
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running as a Republican for governor in November, echoed that sentiment on X, posting in part: “We stand with Danville and support a full investigation into this attack. Violence is never the answer and must be condemned.”
Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman who is running as a Democrat for governor in November, tweeted: “I’m horrified by today’s attack against a sitting public servant in Danville. Adam and I are praying for City Councilman Vogler, his family, and the entire Danville community. I’m deeply grateful to Virginia’s first responders for their swift action and the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspect.”
State Sen. Bill Stanley—a Republican representing the cities of Galax and Martinsville, Henry and Patrick counties, part of the city of Danville, and parts of five other Southside Virginia counties—posted a picture featuring himself and the councilman, and Vogler’s son, stating: “Lee Vogler is a good man, a great young civil servant, and my friend. My prayers to him and his family during this trying time. There is no justification for this violence. Ever.”
Rep. Don Beyer—a Democrat representing the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, part of Fairfax County, and the City of Falls Church—posted on Facebook: “I’m horrified to hear about the disturbing attack on Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler and am hopeful for his full and swift recovery. As we await more information, I’m thankful to law enforcement for their response. Resorting to violence is never acceptable.”
This is a developing story.
