From Fox News: A Virginia city council member was rushed to a burn center after a man poured gasoline on him and set him on fire inside his workplace on Wednesday.
Andrew Brooks, publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, said in a social media post that Danville City Council member Lee Vogler was working in the office when a person allegedly forced their way into the building just after 11 a.m. local time, carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline.
The man, who has not yet been identified, allegedly poured the gasoline on Vogler as he tried to run to the front of the building.
In a Facebook post, Brooks said the man followed Vogler and set him on fire. Vogler was able to identify the suspect, and they are now in police custody.
Vogler, who was elected to Danville City Council in May 2012, sustained serious injuries. His current condition is unknown, but he is reportedly at the Lynchburg burn center getting treatment
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” Showcase wrote in a 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.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares posted a statement on X. He said, “I know Lee Vogler. He is a good friend and an even greater city councilman for Danville.
“Violence in the pursuit of the political is the definition of domestic terrorism. Even the mere threat of violence is terrorism — and we should all condemn it together.”
I know Lee Vogler. He is a good friend and an even greater city councilman for Danville.
Violence in the pursuit of the political is the definition of domestic terrorism. Even the mere threat of violence is terrorism — and we should all condemn it together.
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) July 30, 2025
Virginia Young Republicans posted a statement. The post says, “We are shocked by the horrific attack on our friend & fellow young Republican, Danville Councilman Lee Vogler..”
At 24, Vogler is the youngest person to hold a Danville City Council position, according to the city’s website.
“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,” the group added.
They included a longer statement that says, in part, “Lee has been a tireless advocate for his city and for the Commonwealth, and we know the strength of his spirit will carry him through this difficult time.
“Political differences or personal grievances should never escalate to violence. We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and call for swift justice.
“We urge all Virginians to join us in keeping Lee and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.”
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
What happened in Danville is horrifying. A deranged individual broke into the offices of Showcase Magazine and set City Councilman J. Lee Vogler on fire.
Let me say this as clearly as I can: Violence has no place in our Commonwealth. No disagreement ever justifies hatred,…
— John Reid (@JohnReid4VA) July 30, 2025
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