The incident occurred on Friday when an unknown male suspect sprayed a possible accelerant on the office door of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in Burlington, Vermont, and set it on fire before fleeing the scene. The small blaze caused minor damages, but no injuries were reported. Authorities are currently seeking the suspect, who remains at large, and no motive has been established yet. The fire was quickly extinguished by the sprinkler system, preventing further damage to the office and ensuring the safety of staff members who were working at the time.
Earlier in the day, the Burlington Fire Department responded to a call and found a fire between the vestibule, the elevator, and the entrance door of Sanders’ third-floor office. The fire caused moderate damage to the office door and significant water damage to much of the third floor. As a result, the offices of Sanders and neighboring offices were evacuated. A spokesperson for Sanders did not immediately provide a comment on the incident, and Sanders himself was not present at the office during the fire.
The Burlington police issued a statement expressing concern over the fire’s severity and its potential impact on the safety of staff members. They described the fire as significant, engulfing the door and part of the vestibule, which hindered the egress of staff members from the office. The swift response of the sprinkler system helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. The police are actively investigating the incident and searching for the suspect, as well as trying to determine the motive behind the arson attack on Senator Sanders’ office.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of political offices in Vermont. While no injuries were reported in this incident, the potential danger to the staff members working in the office highlights the need for increased security measures to protect public officials. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the motive behind the arson attack to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community is shocked by the brazen act of arson and is hopeful that the perpetrator will be apprehended soon to prevent any further threats to public safety.
Sen. Bernie Sanders is a prominent political figure with a strong following in Vermont and across the country. The attack on his office has sparked outrage among his supporters and political allies, who are condemning the act of violence and calling for justice to be served. Sanders, known for his progressive policies and grassroots activism, has been a vocal advocate for social and economic justice, and the attack on his office is seen as an attack on those values. As the investigation unfolds, the community is standing in solidarity with Sanders and his team, hoping for a swift resolution to the case and a return to normalcy for the senator’s office.
