A fire broke out outside Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office in Burlington, Vermont, with authorities suspecting arson as the cause. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but staff members inside the building at the time were put in danger as the fire impeded their exit. The sprinkler system was able to extinguish the fire, preventing further damage or injuries.
The Burlington Police Department released a statement indicating that the fire was significant and engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, making it difficult for staff members to evacuate the building. The suspect is believed to be a male who used an accelerant to start the fire before fleeing the scene. Police are currently searching for the suspect and are uncertain about the motive behind the arson.
Despite the intensity of the fire, it was lucky that Sanders was not present in the office when it occurred. The fire started around 10:45 a.m., and authorities are actively investigating the incident to gather more information about the suspect and the events leading up to the fire.
The office building sustained significant water damage due to the sprinkler system being activated. The door to Sanders’ office also incurred moderate fire damage as a result of the blaze outside. The senator’s office has not provided any comments on the incident in response to requests for information.
In an effort to apprehend the suspect, Burlington police released an image of a man wearing distinctive clothing who is being sought in connection to the fire. The man was captured in surveillance footage wearing an orange beanie, black sweater, brown pants, and white Nike sneakers. The search for the suspect continues, with authorities hoping to bring them to justice for their actions.
As the investigation into the fire outside Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office in Burlington continues, police are working diligently to identify and locate the arsonist responsible for endangering the lives of Sanders’ staff members. The incident has raised concerns about security and safety at political offices, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and preventative measures to protect individuals working in such environments.