Police Release Photo Of Suspect In Arson Attack On Bernie Sanders' Office

Bernie Sanders's Vermont office was the target of an arson attack, and police are asking the public to help identify the suspect.

On Friday, April 5, a fire engulfed Independent Senator Bernie Sanders's office in Vermont. Mr. Sanders was not at the office at the time of the incident as he was in Los Angeles.

Around 10:45 a.m., the fire department responded to a call at the location of Mr. Sanders's office. Burlington police say “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."

According to authorities, the sprinkler system set off and helped to extinguish the fire. Luckily, there were no injuries and it doesn't seem to have any major damage. The door was moderately damaged, and large parts of the building suffered water damage, but otherwise, it seems everything else is salvageable.

As the investigation remains open, initial thoughts are that the fire started outside the office, believing a man sprayed a possible accelerant on the door of the office and then set it on fire before seeing the scene. A motive is unclear.

Investigators with the Vermont State Police determined that the fire was an act of arson.

Police released the above photo, asking the public to help identify this man, who is believed to have been the individual who started the fire at Mr. Sanders's office.

He is seen wearing a rust-colored beanie, a black pullover crew neck, and white Nike sneakers, and is carrying a bag. It should be noted that he may have changed clothes by now and could have ditched the bag. It is unclear what was in the bag.

It is also unclear how tall the suspect is.

Kathryn Van Haste, the Vermont state director for Senator Sanders, released a statement. “We are grateful to the Burlington Fire and Police Departments who responded immediately today to a fire incident that took place in our office building," she said, per the New York Times.

“We are relieved that no one on our staff and, to our understanding, no one in the building was harmed.”

A motive for the fire is unclear.

The latest attack comes after police revealed they have investigated more than 8,000 cases relating to the United States Capitol Police (USCP) threat assessment cases, including cases involving "concerning statements and direct threats," according to a January release. This is about 500 more than the previous year.

“I am proud of our agents who are working around the clock and across the nation to keep up with a significant caseload to protect the Members of Congress and the Capitol Complex,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said per the press release. “We continue to improve and enhance our investigative and protective responsibilities by focusing on security both here on Capitol Hill and in Member’s home districts.”

“With the political conventions, Member campaigns, and many issues being debated on Capitol Hill, this is going to be a very busy year for our special agents,” USCP Assistant Chief of Protective and Intelligence Operations Ashan M. Benedict added. “Our team is dedicated to putting all of our resources into protecting the Congress while we continue to grow in order to keep up with our expanding mission.”

Sanders, 82, is in his third term as senator. At this time, there are no further details relating to the fire at Mr. Sanders's office, but the Burlington Fire Marshal’s office, Burlington Police Department, and Vermont State Police are conducting a joint investigation.

The Blast has reached out to the office of Bernie Sanders for comment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Burlington Police Department at (802) 865-7000 or the Vermont State Police Department at 802-244-8727.