DANVILLE, Va. – Update- July 31, 2025, 5:55 p.m.:
The wife of J. Lee Vogler made a statement on Thursday regarding the attack on Wednesday:
“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"
Blair Vogler
Update- July 31, 2025, 2:03 p.m:
Court records from the Danville City Courthouse obtained by 10 News reveal that Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes admitted to attacking J. Lee Vogler with the intent to kill.
The warrant details that Buck-Hayes told Sgt. Clay of the Danville Police Department (DPD) stated that his intention was to kill Vogler.
No motive was mentioned in court documents, though yesterday it was reported by DPD that the incident was a personal matter and was not politically motivated.
Update:
The Danville Police Department has charged Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding following the attack by burning, according to officials.
Hayes is being held in the Danville City Jail under no bond. The incident remains under investigation.
Original:
Danville City Councilman J. Lee Vogler was injured Wednesday morning after being set on fire in an assault outside his workplace, according to the Danville Police Department.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the 700 block of Main Street following reports that a male had been doused with a flammable liquid and ignited. The Danville Fire Department and Danville Life Saving Crew administered aid at the scene before Vogler was airlifted to a regional medical facility. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.
According to witness statements, the suspect entered Showcase Magazine, Vogler’s place of employment, then confronted him, and poured a flammable liquid on him. The suspect and victim then exited the building, where the suspect set Vogler on fire before fleeing the scene.
Police located and stopped the suspect’s vehicle several blocks away. The driver, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes of Danville, was taken into custody without incident.
The Danville Police Department identified the victim due to his public role as an elected official, which is an exception to their typical practice of withholding victim names in such cases.
Investigators have indicated that the suspect and victim knew each other and that the incident resulted from a personal dispute unrelated to Vogler’s position on the City Council or any political affiliation.
Andrew Brooks, the owner and publisher of Showcase Magazine, posted the following account on Facebook:
Further details regarding charges will be released as the investigation continues.
Abigail Spanberger released the following statement:
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.
Abigail Spanberger
The Republican Party of Virginia also issued the following statement:
We’ve been made aware of the horrific attack on Republican City Councilman Lee Vogler in Danville.
We are praying for Lee and his family and commend law enforcement for the work they are doing to bring justice in this case.
RPV condemns all acts of senseless violence.
Republican Party of Virginia
The Democratic Party of Virginia also released the following statement:
“I am saddened and horrified by the attack on Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler. Violence has no place in our Commonwealth or politics. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this time, and we are praying for his full and swift recovery.”
Statement from DPVA Chairman Lamont Bagby:
Governor Glenn Youngkin also released the following statement:
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.
Governor Glenn Youngkin
The Mayor of Danville also issued the following in a post Wednesday:
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 member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting.
Our prayers are with Lee and his loved ones. We are grateful to our first responders and law enforcement for their swift action.
Our Council is close. We’ve worked through challenges together—and now, we face this heartbreak together. Please continue to pray for Lee and his family. We’re standing with him—and with each other.
Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones