Staff Reports
In a shocking and despicable display of violence, a man was charged with setting fire outside the Vermont office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. This outrageous act of arson was committed by Shant Soghomonian, a 35-year-old previously of Northridge, California. Security video footage revealed his heinous actions as he sprayed a flammable liquid on the office door and set it ablaze, causing damage to the building’s interior.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the arson attack, as Sen. Sanders was not present in the office at the time of the incident. However, the building sustained damage from the fire and the activation of sprinklers to extinguish the flames. This brazen act of violence against a public servant is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the safety and security of our elected officials.
Suspect Arrested After Fire Set Outside Senator's Third-Floor Officehttps://t.co/G1xrb9TqCk
— MnMsBabom (@JustBabom) April 7, 2024
Soghomonian’s arrest on a charge of using fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce should serve as a stern warning to those who seek to carry out violent acts for their own nefarious purposes. The motive behind this deplorable attack remains unclear, and while Soghomonian is currently in custody, his silence on the matter is deeply concerning.
The swift and coordinated response to this heinous crime by various law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Capitol Police, is commendable. Their diligence and dedication to identifying and apprehending the perpetrator of this violent act should be lauded.
The potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the crime highlights the severity of Soghomonian’s actions. Such a punishment is warranted for those who engage in violent criminal behavior, particularly when it targets elected officials who serve our nation.
While the motive for this heinous act remains unclear, one cannot help but contemplate the deeply troubling rise in politically motivated violence. As we await further developments in this case, it is imperative that we stand united in condemning all forms of violence and extremism, regardless of political affiliation. The safety and security of our elected officials and the sanctity of our democratic institutions must be preserved at all costs.
