Substance Similar to Napalm Found After Attack on Danville Councilman

Evidence suggests the assailant used a flammable mixture beyond just gasoline in the assault.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Danville city councilman was severely burned in an attack that involved a substance similar to the highly flammable weapon napalm. Police found evidence of polystyrene mixed with gasoline at the scene, creating a gelatinous liquid that resembles napalm. The 29-year-old suspect, Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, has been indicted on several charges and faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

The use of a substance resembling napalm in the attack on Councilman Lee Vogler raises serious concerns about the perpetrator's access to dangerous materials and the potential for more sophisticated and deadly attacks in the future. This incident also highlights the ongoing challenges local governments face in protecting public officials from targeted violence.

The details

According to the Danville Register & Bee, evidence at the scene following the attack on Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler found polystyrene, which is known to be a good insulator. When polystyrene and gasoline are mixed together, the substance resembles napalm, a highly flammable and gelatinous liquid. 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes was previously indicted on charges of Attempted First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Malicious Wounding, and Breaking and Entering While Armed With a Deadly Weapon for the attack that occurred on July 30, 2025 at the office of Showcase Magazine.

  • The attack on Councilman Lee Vogler occurred on July 30, 2025.
  • Buck-Hayes' trial is scheduled to begin on April 20.

The players

Lee Vogler

A Danville City Councilman who sustained burns to 60% of his body in the attack and was hospitalized for about three months.

Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes

A 29-year-old man who has been indicted on charges of Attempted First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Malicious Wounding, and Breaking and Entering While Armed With a Deadly Weapon for the attack on Councilman Vogler.

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What’s next

Buck-Hayes' trial is scheduled to begin on April 20, where a judge will determine if he is guilty of the charges he faces.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges local governments face in protecting public officials from targeted violence, and the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance to prevent such attacks in the future.