Authorities have apprehended a man accused of setting fire to Sen. Bernie Sanders' Vermont office, according to officials.
Identified as Shant Soghomonian, a 35-year-old individual also known as Michael Soghomonian, the suspect reportedly entered the Burlington building on Friday morning and made his way to the third floor where Sanders' office is situated, as per the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont. Surveillance footage captured the alleged arsonist spraying a liquid near the office's outer door before igniting a fire using a handheld lighter.
The fire caused damage to the exterior of the office door and its immediate surroundings, officials confirmed. Sprinklers were activated on multiple floors within the building. The Burlington Fire Department assessed the fire damage to the door as moderate, noting significant water damage to the third floor and floors below. Protective covers were placed on the lower floors to safeguard belongings from water exposure.
Following the alleged act of starting the fire, the suspect reportedly exited the scene using a staircase, as confirmed by officials. Soghomonian was taken into custody on Sunday. Authorities have refrained from disclosing a potential motive for the incident.
If found guilty, Soghomonian could potentially face a sentence ranging from 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A court date for the initial appearance has not been set yet.
