"Doused with about 19 liters of gasoline and set on fire," a U.S. congressman was attacked at his office, police rule out political motives.
According to reports by media outlets such as the U.S. "Newsweek", a member of the Virginia state legislature was doused with gasoline and set on fire at his office on the 30th local time. The legislator was then air-lifted to a local hospital, and the extent of his injuries is currently unknown. The suspect has been arrested, and the police said this was a targeted personal attack.
The report stated that the victim's name is Lee Vogel, a city councilman in Danville, Virginia, who is 38 years old. According to the Danville City Government website, Vogel was elected at the age of 24, making him the youngest city councilman in the history of the city.
Vogel (right) photo source: media report picture
The report described that the suspect forcibly entered Vogel's office and poured five gallons (about 19 liters) of gasoline on him. When Vogel tried to escape, the suspect set fire to the gasoline. After the incident, the police arrived outside the office, and the suspect fled the scene but was later caught nearby.
Police are investigating at Vogel's office. Source: media video screenshot
Police said that according to the investigation, the suspect and the victim knew each other, and the crime was due to personal reasons, not political motives. "It has nothing to do with the victim's position in the Danville City Council or any other political faction." Police also said that the suspect is charged with first-degree murder and serious malicious injury.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a statement expressing hope for Vogel's recovery and wishing safety for the entire Danville community.
U.S. National Broadcasting Company (NBC) reported that in recent years, attacks on American local and national politicians have become increasingly common. In April, the home of Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro was set on fire by a man who disagreed with Shapiro's views on the Gaza conflict.
Source | Global Times
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