Violence Is Resourceful. You Should Be Too.

Violence doesn’t always come with a gun. Sometimes it walks through a locked office door with a gas can.

I've been asked by many to cover this story from my hometown in Virginia but didn't feel like I could do any justice with it, considering it made national news, immediately. Instead, I've decided to make it a lesson on being Prepared to Protect.

Danville, VA City Councilman, Lee Vogler

On July 30, 2025, Danville, Virginia City Councilman Lee Vogler was attacked in broad daylight by a man who forced his way into the office of a local magazine where Vogler worked. The assailant, "Shotsie" Michael Buck Hayes, doused Vogler in gasoline and set him on fire, a brutal act of violence that left Vogler in critical condition and undergoing multiple surgeries.

This wasn’t a political hit. It wasn’t a robbery. It was a personal vendetta, according to police. But the motive doesn’t matter nearly as much as the method: a flammable liquid, a lighter, and the will to destroy. No firearm. No warning. Just a man determined to inflict pain, and a victim caught unprepared.

The Lesson: Violence Is Resourceful. You Should Be Too.

We like to imagine that violence follows rules. That it’s predictable. That it only happens in “bad neighborhoods” or during “high-risk situations.” But the truth is far more uncomfortable: bad people will use anything they can get their hands on. Gasoline. Knives. Vehicles. Chemicals. Words. And yes, guns.

If your preparedness plan only accounts for one type of threat, you’re not prepared—you’re just optimistic.

• Locked doors aren’t enough. Vogler’s office was locked. The attacker forced his way in anyway.

• Familiar environments aren’t safe. This happened at a local magazine office, not a dark alley.

• Status doesn’t shield you. Vogler was a respected public servant, not a random target.

Preparedness Is Not Paranoia. It’s Responsibility.

Being prepared to protect yourself and others isn’t about fear. It’s about respecting reality. It’s about acknowledging that evil doesn’t care about your zip code, your job title, or your good intentions.

Preparedness means:

• Situational awareness: Knowing your exits, your surroundings, and who’s walking through your door.

• Training beyond firearms: Martial arts, de-escalation tactics, and emergency response skills matter.

• Mental readiness: Understanding that violence can be sudden, irrational, and deeply personal.

  
  

Vogler’s Story Is a Wake-Up Call

Personal Note:

I do not care about the backstory or the rumors regarding this case. What happened was absolutely horrific and should not be taken lightly or used as a gossip crutch.

Lee Vogler didn’t die that day, but he came terrifyingly close. His wife, Blair, shared that he’s shown signs of progress, even standing with help from his physical therapy team. But the road ahead is long, painful, and expensive. Over $140,000 has been raised to support his recovery.

This isn’t just a tragedy; it’s a lesson in urgency. If someone can walk into a locked office and set a man on fire, then the idea that “it won’t happen here” is officially dead.

Evil Is Creative. So Be Prepared.

Whether you’re a teacher, a councilmember, a parent, or a student, you are not immune. And the people who want to hurt others aren’t waiting for permission or a weapon registry. They’re using what’s available. You should be ready to do the same... to protect, to respond, and to survive.

Let Vogler’s story be more than a headline.

Let it be a turning point.