A local Virginia politician has made a stunning recovery and returned to work just a few months after almost losing his life in a horrific attack.
As The Gateway Pundit previously reported, Danville, Virginia, City Councilman Lee Vogler was doused in gasoline and set on fire in his office back in July.
According to reports, the attacker, identified as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, threw five gallons of gasoline on Vogler, a Republican, before setting him on fire.
Danville police said the attack appeared personal and unrelated to Vogler’s position as a city councilman.
The Daily Mail reported that Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes’ wife filed for divorce just two weeks ago before the attack.
It was revealed >in court in September that Shotsie Hayes attacked Vogler over an alleged affair with his wife.
Here is the moment Vogler returned to the city council chamber for the first time in three months:
BREAKING: Danville, VA City Councilman Lee Vogler has returned to the city council chambers after police say a man set him on fire in July @myfox8 pic.twitter.com/Vn80NtYO1o
— Justin Odell Lundy (@_JustinLundyTV) October 21, 2025
While reflecting on his ordeal, Vogler first thanked God, noting that what had happened was a total miracle.
He then spoke about how he was in a coma for weeks before finally turning a corner, before confronting another obstacle in the form of infections on his body from the burns.
Vogler then closed by noting that he continues to get better daily, again crediting God for saving him.
WATCH:
Less than three months ago, Councilman Lee Vogler was set on fire. Last night he made it back to his first City Council meeting since the attack. Here are a few of his words. pic.twitter.com/zD00hieZLa
— ABC 13 News – WSET (@ABC13News) October 22, 2025
VOGLER: God is everything. For me to be able to be here tonight is nothing short of a miracle.
Two and a half months ago, I was being airlifted in that helicopter with burns over half my body, and I was in really bad shape.
Folks who saw me that day and days after know how bad it was. After a certain point in time, I turned the corner.
I woke up because I was basically asleep for three weeks, and (I had) infections in 90% of my body.
Once I woke up, it was just day-by-day, little-by-little.
I feel blessed to be here at all and to be here six months after I thought. That’s God.
I still got a long road ahead of me…But I’m beyond blessed and ready for the next phase, for what I feel is a second chance at life, and I appreciate all the little things.
I love you guys, and I’m happy to be back.
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