Prosecutors argue that Shant Michael Soghomonian, the man accused of starting a fire outside U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Vermont office, should remain detained due to his past brushes with the law involving guns and a history of traveling from place to place. Security video shows Soghomonian throwing liquid at the bottom of a door opening into Sanders’ office and setting it on fire with a lighter. While seven employees in the office were unharmed, the building’s interior suffered damage from the fire and water sprinklers. Soghomonian, 35, was staying at a South Burlington hotel and was seen outside Sanders’ office the day before and the day of the fire. He is facing a charge of maliciously damaging a building used in interstate commerce.
During a traffic stop in August, Illinois State Police seized an AK-47 rifle and two magazines from Soghomonian’s vehicle, along with cannabis and a book titled “How to Blow up a Pipeline,” which calls for escalating tactics in the face of ecological collapse. He also produced an invalid Oregon driver’s license and told police he was traveling to the West Coast. His vehicle had been in New York, Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania, all within the span of a month. Prosecutors also mentioned a past incident in which Soghomonian was detained as a teenager for an assault with a firearm in Glendale, California in 2005, although the case was later dismissed. These instances of itinerancy, firearms possession, and lack of candor with law enforcement are cited as exacerbating his risk of flight, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher.
Despite the risk posed by the fire incident and his history with firearms, Soghomonian’s public defender has not yet commented on the case. He remains in custody, and a detention hearing that was scheduled for Thursday has been postponed until next week. Prosecutors argue that he is a danger to the community and a flight risk and should not be released. The special agent’s report suggests that Soghomonian fled the area after setting the fire to avoid detection and apprehension, further supporting the argument for detention. The court petition states that Soghomonian’s disregard for the safety of the building’s occupants and the community at large is evident from his actions.
Soghomonian’s actions outside Sanders’ office have raised concerns about his motivations and potential threats that he may pose. The fact that he targeted a building used in interstate commerce and showed a disregard for the safety of the occupants further supports the argument for his detention. As the investigation continues and more information about his background is revealed, it will become clearer whether Soghomonian poses a significant risk to the community. The delay in the detention hearing provides additional time for prosecutors to present their case and for Soghomonian’s public defender to respond, ensuring that all factors are considered before a decision is made regarding his custody status.
The incident outside Sanders’ office highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of public officials and their staff. As a sitting U.S. Senator, Sanders is entitled to protection from potential threats, and it is essential that individuals who engage in dangerous or threatening behavior are held accountable. The fact that Soghomonian had a history of brushes with the law involving guns and travel raises red flags about his intentions and capacity to cause harm. By keeping him detained pending further legal proceedings, prosecutors aim to prevent any further incidents and protect the community from potential dangers that he may pose.
