A 35-year-old man identified as Shant Soghomonian, also known by the alias Michael Soghomonian, has been arrested on charges of setting a fire at the office of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in Burlington, Vermont. According to a federal complaint, Soghomonian was charged with using fire to damage the building located at One Church Street, which houses Senator Sanders' office.
Security footage captured the suspect entering the building on Friday morning and heading up to the third floor, where he can be seen dousing the door of Sanders' office with an unknown liquid. Failed to apprehend immediately, the man used a lighter to ignite the accelerant before fleeing the scene, as reported by NBC Boston.
The strike team, soon after the blaze started, was set off by the fire causing the sprinkler system to activate and quenching the flames, preventing further destruction. The office was evacuated for safety, although Senator Sanders was not present at the time of the incident. Despite no injuries being reported, extensive water damage followed the fire's incendiary rage on the third floor and below, states the Burlington Fire Department.
Soghomonian was arrested on a Sunday with crimes that, if found guilty, could land the accused up to 20 years in prison along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000. Authorities have yet to determine a motive behind the act. Following the arrest, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak made relief an expressed note, concerning the wellbeing of everyone involved and offered continued support, is according to a statement she made which was obtained by NEWS10.
Soghomonian's initial court appearance had not been set at the time of this report. It was not known if he had legal representation or the opportunity to comment on the allegations made against him. The Fire Marshal has confirmed the fire was intentionally set, and the investigation is being conducted by multiple agencies, including the local police forces, Vermont State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Capitol Police.
