Police in Vermont are seeking a suspect who allegedly started a fire Friday outside the office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. The small blaze caused minor damages but no injuries. Authorities say an unknown male suspect sprayed what they described as a possible accelerant on the office door, set it on fire and fled. They said the suspect remained at large and no motive had been established.
Quick Read
- Fire at Senator’s Office: A fire was started outside U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont, resulting in minor damage but no injuries.
- Suspect on the Loose: Police are searching for an unidentified male who allegedly used a possible accelerant to ignite the blaze and then fled the scene. The motive behind the act is yet to be determined.
- Hazard to Staff: The fire, which engulfed the office door and part of the vestibule, posed a threat to the lives of staff members present by blocking their exit route. The building’s sprinkler system was activated, helping to control the fire.
- Damage Assessment: Sanders’ office, located on the third floor, sustained moderate fire damage to the door and significant water damage to much of the floor. The building was evacuated for safety.
- Senator’s Status: Bernie Sanders was not in the office at the time of the incident, and his spokesperson has not yet made a comment regarding the event.
The Associated Press has the story:
Sen. Sanders’ office in VT caught fire. Arson is suspected, but motive is unclear
Newslooks- BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) —
Police in Vermont are seeking a suspect who allegedly started a fire Friday outside the office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. The small blaze caused minor damages but no injuries. Authorities say an unknown male suspect sprayed what they described as a possible accelerant on the office door, set it on fire and fled. They said the suspect remained at large and no motive had been established.
“A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives,” Burlington police said in a statement. “The sprinkler system then engaged and largely extinguished the fire.”
Earlier in the day, the Burlington Fire Department said it responded to a call Friday morning and found a fire between the vestibule, the elevator and the entrance door of Sanders’ third-floor office in Burlington. The office door suffered moderate fire damage and much of the third floor sustained significant water damage. The offices of Sanders and those nearby were evacuated.
A spokesperson for Sanders did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sanders was not at the office.
