- An alleged arsonist set fire to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont on Friday
- Flames engulfed the door, trapping the senator’s staff inside.
- The suspect was wearing an orange hat, a black jacket and white sneakers.
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Senator Bernie Sanders’ Vermont office was set on fire by an alleged arsonist who is at large.
Burlington firefighters were called to the senator’s office on the third floor of One Church Street around 10:45 a.m. Friday.
Police said an unidentified man entered the office lobby, sprayed accelerant on the door and set it on fire, police reported. NBC5.
Flames engulfed the door, trapping the senator’s employees inside; Sanders himself was at a rally for striking hotel workers in Los Angeles on Friday.
“A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the lobby, preventing the exit of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives,” Burlington police said.
An arsonist set fire to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont on Friday.
Police are seeking help identifying the suspect and released a photo of him wearing an orange beanie, black jacket, dark pants and white sneakers.
Flames engulfed the door, trapping the senator’s staff inside as the building’s sprinkler system activated.
Video captured by WCAX It showed water coming out of the building causing flooding and significant damage to the entire property when the sprinkler system was turned off.
“The senator’s office door sustained moderate fire damage, and the third and lower floors sustained significant water damage,” the Burlington Fire Department said.
No injuries were reported and authorities determined the fire was intentionally set although the motive is unknown at this time.
Police are seeking help identifying the suspect and released a photo of him wearing an orange beanie, black jacket, dark pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information about the arson suspect is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at (802) 658-2704.
Senator Sanders Vermont State Director Kathryn Van Haste said, “We are grateful to the Burlington Police and Fire Departments who responded immediately today to a fire incident that took place in our office building.”
No injuries were reported and authorities determined the fire was intentionally set although the motive is unknown at this time.
Senator Sanders was not in the office during the fire. He spoke at a rally for striking hotel workers in Los Angeles.
‘We are relieved that none of our staff and, as we understand, no one in the building were injured. Thanks 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 in coordination with local first responders.’
Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak said, ‘I am grateful for the quick action of the Burlington Police and Fire Departments in responding to the fire at One Church Street. My office remains in close communication with both departments as the investigation continues.’
‘I also spoke with Senator Sanders’ office and I am relieved to know that everyone made it out safely. “My staff will continue to be in close communication with Senator Sanders’ team and offer support as this situation develops.”