Va. Politician Who Was Set on Fire at His Office Will Be in Hospital 'for at Least 6 Months' By Sean Neumann

A Virginia elected official who was doused in gasoline and set on fire at his office last week sustained second- and third-degree burns “over more than half his body,” according to an online update shared by friends and family.

Lee Vogler, a longtime member of the Danville City Council, in Danville, Va., is currently recovering at the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Clinic and is in “stable but critical condition,” according to the update posted to a GoFundMe page set up to help the 38-year-old pay for medical expenses.

“His wife, Blair, and their children are by his side as he begins what will be a long, painful, and uncertain recovery,” the page reads. “He faces multiple surgeries, an extended hospital stay, and months — if not years — of rehabilitation.”

The Danville Police Department said the July 30 attack on Vogler was personal and not political, PEOPLE reported last week.

“An individual forced his way into our office carrying a five gallon bucket of gasoline and poured it on Lee,” according to Andrew Brooks, who runs Showcase Magazine and co-owns it with Vogler. 

Brooks, who also launched the GoFundMe page for Vogler, said in an emotional social media video that Vogler had attempted to flee after being doused with the gasoline and “ran to the front of the building,” but “the individual followed him and set him on fire.” 

Danville Police announced hours after the attack that Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes had been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. Police said Hayes, 29, had fled the scene in his car after burning Vogler.

“Based on the investigation at the time of this release, the victim and the suspect are known to each other and the attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation,” the Danville Police Department said in a statement.

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Brooks described the attack on Vogler as “a horrific and senseless act of violence” in the fundraiser, which has raised nearly $130,000 as of Friday, Aug. 8.

Vogler shares two young children with his wife Blair, who said in an update this week that doctors expect the councilman to be in the hospital “for at least six months” while recovering.

“Lee’s injuries will permanently impact his and his family’s lives, and the sheer amount of financial resources required for long-term care is difficult to even estimate,” she said.

“Lee is a fighter,” Vogler’s wife added in another statement. “He has always faced challenges with courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. We are incredibly thankful for the exceptional care at UNC Chapel Hill and the overwhelming support from friends, neighbors, and our Danville community. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as Lee continues to heal, and we appreciate your continued prayers for our family and the medical team.”