JUST IN: GOP Lawmaker Set On Fire In Targeted Attack

A Virginia lawmaker has been airlifted to a medical facility after he was set on fire in a targeted attack, according to a statement from the Danville Police Department.

On Wednesday, around 11:30 a.m., officers said they were dispatched to the 700 block of Main Street for a report of a male being set on fire. The Danville Fire Department and the Danville Life Saving Crew also responded to the scene, according to a report from local outlet WXII.

Officials said the victim, who has been identified as Danville city councilman Lee Vogler, was airlifted to a local medical facility. The extent of his injuries is currently unknown as of this report.

According to witnesses, the suspect forcefully entered the victim’s place of work at Showcase Magazine. After a confrontation, the attacker doused Vogler with a “flammable liquid,” at which point the councilman attempted to flee. The attacker then ran him down and set him on fire, witnesses said.

Officials said the suspect fled the scene, though witnesses were able to provide a description of the suspect and his vehicle. The vehicle was soon stopped a few blocks away from the scene, at which point the driver was taken into custody.

The driver has been identified as Shotsie Hayes, 29, who is currently in custody. Police believe he was indeed the attacker.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the attack seems to stem from a personal dispute rather than Vogler’s political career or leanings. The two previously know each other, police said.

Councilman J. Lee Vogler

The Virginia Young Republicans organization offered prayers and support following the “horrific attack on our friend & fellow young Republican, Danville Councilman Lee Vogler.”

“Our prayers are with Lee, his family, and the entire Danville community as he receives treatment. 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,” the organization said. “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.”

“Lee is awake and talking, and is en route to the burns center in Lynchburg,” Showcase Magazine publisher Andrew Brooks said in a tearful video statement uploaded to Facebook Wednesday.

According to his Danville City Council biography, Vogler became the youngest person ever elected to that position at the age of 24. He was first elected in 2012.

This is a developing story.