Police are currently investigating a suspected arson incident at the Burlington, Vermont offices of Senator Bernie Sanders. The fire, which occurred on the third floor, was allegedly started by an unidentified man who sprayed an “apparent accelerant” on the office door before igniting it in the vestibule. The blaze prevented workers from exiting the office, but the building’s sprinkler system activated and extinguished most of the flames.
The Burlington Fire Department arrived promptly at around 10:45 a.m., deeming the fire incendiary in nature. The investigation has now been handed over to the Vermont State Police. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Senator Sanders was not present in the office at the time of the incident.
Authorities have released a surveillance footage image of the suspect, who was seen wearing an orange knit cap, black jacket, and dark pants while carrying a light-colored tote bag. The local police and fire department are collaborating with the United States Capitol Police and the Senate sergeant-at-arms in their investigation.
Kathryn Van Haste, the senator’s Vermont state director, expressed gratitude to the Burlington Fire and Police Departments for their immediate response. She also mentioned that the incident is being investigated in conjunction with recent acts of vandalism targeting lawmakers who supported Israel’s military assault on Gaza. However, it is important to note that none of the previous instances involved fire.
In one such incident, Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) reported that posters depicting Israeli hostages were vandalized with “Free Palestine” stickers outside his Capitol office on March 29. Additionally, Representative Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) and Representative David Valadao (R-Calif.) stated that their district offices were targeted with posters opposing Israel’s actions. Valadao’s office was also splashed with a red liquid.
