DANVILLE, Va. — A city councilman in Virginia was seriously injured on Wednesday when a man entered his office, doused him in gasoline, and set him on fire. The attack, which authorities say stemmed from a personal dispute, not a political issue, has raised concerns about violence against elected officials.

Lee Vogler, 38, has served on the Danville City Council for over a decade. Following the incident, he was airlifted to a burn unit in North Carolina for treatment. The assailant, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, reportedly forced his way into Vogler’s office at Showcase Magazine, confronted him, and then chased him outside before igniting the gasoline.

Police arrested Hayes at the scene. He faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. Investigators have emphasized that the motive appears to be personal and unrelated to Vogler’s role as a public official.

Andrew Scott Brooks, the publisher of Showcase Magazine, expressed his outrage over the attack. “There is no justification for lashing out,” he said. “This type of act of senseless violence needs to stop.” Two employees were present during the incident. Brooks recounted that Vogler ran through the office, yelling for help after being doused in gasoline. A colleague called for assistance as Hayes pursued Vogler outside.

“Our door is locked,” Brooks said. “They forced their way into the office and went to Lee. The next thing, Lee is running through the office covered in gasoline, yelling for our officemate to call 911.”

Hayes is currently being held without bond at the Danville City Jail. Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful. Elected officials across Virginia have condemned the attack. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin stated, “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 for peace to be on the entire Danville community.”

Brooks noted that Vogler had not expressed any concerns about safety at work or elsewhere. In addition to his role on the city council, Vogler works as a salesperson at the magazine, where he also writes community stories. “His passion is being on the city council,” Brooks said. “He loves when people call him with a concern that he can help them with.”

Outside of work, Vogler is a dedicated parent who coaches his children’s sports teams. Danville is located approximately 140 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina.