Elena Martinez
Authorities in Vermont are on the hunt for an individual suspected of setting fire to the independent office of Senator Bernie Sanders on Friday.
The incident, which occurred at the office located in Burlington, prompted the Burlington Police Department to issue a public appeal for information alongside the release of surveillance images of the suspect.
Despite the intense blaze ignited at the third-floor office entrance, fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
In a statement released by the Burlington Police Department, details of the arson attempt emerged, indicating that the perpetrator entered the office vestibule and proceeded to spray what appeared to be an accelerant onto the entrance door.
Subsequently, the accelerant was ignited, resulting in a significant fire that not only damaged the door but also impacted adjacent areas of the building.
The sprinkler system activated, effectively mitigating the flames, but causing water damage in the process.
Moreover, the gravity of the situation was emphasized as the fire impeded the exit of staff members, posing a serious risk to their safety. Prompt response from first responders was crucial, with emergency services arriving at the scene around 10:45 a.m. local time.
The Burlington fire marshal’s office swiftly classified the incident as incendiary in nature, prompting the transition of the investigation to the Vermont State Police and Burlington Police Department.
Additionally, federal authorities including the US Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms are collaborating with local responders to ensure a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
Kathryn Van Haste, Sanders’ Vermont state director, underscored the coordinated efforts between various law enforcement agencies in addressing the alarming incident.
The motive behind the arson attempt remains unclear as authorities continue their search for the perpetrator.
