Arson suspected in fire at Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Vermont office. Motive is unclear
April 5, 2024
Police in Vermont are seeking a suspect who allegedly started a fire Friday outside the office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. The small blaze caused minor damages but no injuries.
Authorities say an unknown male suspect sprayed what they described as a possible accelerant on the office door, set it on fire and fled. They said the suspect remained at large and no motive had been established.
A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives, Burlington police said in a statement. The sprinkler system then engaged and largely extinguished the fire.
The Burlington Fire Department said it responded to a call Friday morning and found a fire between the vestibule, the elevator and the entrance door of Sanders’ third-floor office in Burlington.
The office door suffered moderate fire damage and much of the third floor sustained significant water damage. The offices of Sanders and those nearby were evacuated.
A spokesperson for Sanders did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sanders was not at the office.