Suspect arrested in arson attack at Bernie Sanders’ office

Authorities have arrested a man in connection with an arson attack at the office of Senator Bernie Sanders in Burlington, Vermont. The incident, which occurred last Friday, has drawn widespread attention and concern, highlighting the increasing threats faced by public officials.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Shant Soghomonian, also known as Michael Soghomonian, was apprehended on Sunday. He faces charges of using fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce, a federal offense that could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines amounting to $250,000. The arrest was announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont, which has been closely coordinating with local and federal law enforcement agencies in the investigation.

According to official reports, the Burlington Fire Department responded to a call on Friday morning and discovered a fire in the vestibule between the elevator and the entrance door to Sanders' third-floor office. The fire department, along with the Burlington Police Department and Vermont State Police, immediately launched an investigation into the incident, which was quickly determined to be arson.

Security footage played a crucial role in the investigation, capturing Soghomonian entering the building and proceeding to Sanders' office. He was seen spraying a liquid on the door's exterior before igniting it with a handheld lighter and fleeing the scene. The fire caused moderate damage to the office door and significant water damage to much of the third floor due to the activation of the building's sprinkler system. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and Senator Sanders was not present in the office at the time of the attack.

The motive behind the arson attack remains unclear, and authorities have not disclosed any potential reasons for Soghomonian's actions. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public officials, coming at a time when Capitol Police have reported an uptick in threat assessment cases. Last year, police investigated more than 8,000 cases, including direct threats and concerning statements directed at members of Congress.

Senator Sanders' office released a statement expressing gratitude towards the Burlington Fire and Police Departments for their immediate response to the incident. Kathryn Van Haste, Sanders' Vermont state director, emphasized the relief that no staff members or individuals in the building were harmed. The statement also highlighted the coordination between local first responders, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the Senate Sergeant at Arms in addressing the situation.

The arrest of Soghomonian marks a swift response by law enforcement to a disturbing act of violence against a public office. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to explore all aspects of the case to understand the full scope of the incident and prevent similar attacks in the future.

This arson attack at Senator Bernie Sanders' office is a stark reminder of the challenges and risks faced by public officials. It underscores the importance of vigilance, security, and the swift action of law enforcement agencies in protecting our democratic institutions and those who serve them. As the case progresses, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the motivations behind this act and the measures being taken to safeguard public officials from such threats.