- A suspected arsonist set fire to Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont on Friday
- The flames engulfed the door, trapping the senators’ staff inside
- The suspect was wearing an orange hat, a black jacket and white sneakers
Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont was set on fire by a suspected arsonist who was on the run.
Burlington firefighters were called to the senator’s office on the third floor of One Church Street around 10:45 a.m. Friday.
Police say an unknown man entered the vestibule of the office, sprayed an accelerant on the door and set it on fire. NBC5.
The flames engulfed the door, trapping the senator’s staff inside; Sanders himself attended a rally for striking hotel workers in Los Angeles on Friday.
“A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the exit of staff members working in the office and endangering their lives,” Burlington police said.
Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont was set on fire by an arsonist on Friday
Police are seeking help in identifying the suspect and have released a photo of him wearing an orange hat, black jacket, dark pants and white sneakers.
The flames engulfed the door, trapping the senator’s staff inside when the building’s sprinkler system went off
Video made by WCAX showed water pouring from the building, causing flooding and significant damage to the entire property when the sprinkler system tripped.
“The door to the Senator’s office sustained moderate fire damage, and the third floor and floors below sustained significant water damage,” the Burlington Fire Department said.
No injuries were reported and authorities have determined the fire was deliberately set, although his motive is unknown at this time.
Police are seeking help in identifying the suspect and have released a photo of him wearing an orange hat, black jacket, dark pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information on the arson suspect is asked to contact Burlington police at (802) 658-2704.
Senator Sanders, Vermont State Director Kathryn Van Haste said, “We are grateful to the Burlington Fire and Police Departments who responded immediately today to a fire incident that occurred in our office building.”
No injuries were reported and authorities have determined the fire was deliberately set, although his motive is unknown at this time
Senator Sanders was out of the office during the fire. He spoke at a meeting for striking hotel workers in Los Angeles
“We are relieved that none of our staff and, as far as we understand, no one in the building was injured. Thank you also to the Vermont State Police for their assistance and the efforts of the US Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who are working with local first responders.”
Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak said, “I am grateful for the quick action of the Burlington Fire Department and Police Department in responding to the One Church Street fire. My office remains in close communication with both departments as the investigation is conducted.”
“I also spoke with Senator Sanders’ office and am relieved to hear that everyone made it out safely. My staff will continue to communicate closely with Senator Sanders’ team and provide support as this situation develops.”