CRIME Sen. Bernie Sanders's office in Vermont caught fire. Arson is suspected
- Thread starter jward
- Start date
pauldingbabe
The Great Cat
Has his office caught fire before?
I'm having a deja moo moment.
I'm having a deja moo moment.
et2
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Hmmm, my “give a sh*t” meter must be broken. I’m not seeing the needle move….
bracketquant
Veteran Member
Why did I read that as Sen. Bernie Sander's orifice?
mzkitty
I give up.
Fire at Bernie Sanders' Vermont office investigated as arson
There were no reported injuries, and Sanders was not in the Burlington building at the time. Police said they are searching for a suspect.Updated April 5, 2024, 11:12 PM EDT
A fire at Sen. Bernie Sanders' Vermont office is being investigated as arson, the Burlington Fire Department said Friday.
Firefighters were dispatched Friday morning to the building that houses the independent senator's only congressional office in the state. They found "a fire in the vestibule between the elevator and the entrance door to [Sanders'] office," the fire department said in a news release.
Police in Burlington said "an unknown male subject entered the vestibule" of Sanders' office and then "sprayed an apparent accelerant on the entrance door."
"He then lit the accelerant and fled," the police statement said. It also said that 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."
There were no reported injuries. The door to Sanders' office was damaged by the fire and other parts of the building had water damage.
The suspect has not been apprehended, and there is no known motive, according to police.
“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,” said Sanders’ state director Kathryn Van Haste in a statement. “We are relieved that no one on our staff and, to our understanding, no one in the building was harmed.”
Van Haste said that U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms are coordinating with local first responders.
The Burlington Fire Marshal’s office, Burlington Police Department and Vermont State Police are conducting a joint investigation.
A spokesperson for the state police did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday night.
The suspected arson comes as Capitol Police recorded an uptick in threat assessment cases last year. Police investigated more than 8,000 cases — about 500 more than the previous year — including cases involving "concerning statements and direct threats," according to a January release.
Sanders, 82, is in his third term as senator. He previously served in the House for 16 years, and before that was mayor of Burlington, where he lives with his wife.
Fire at Bernie Sanders' Vermont office investigated as arson
There were no reported injuries, and Sanders was not in the Burlington building at the time. Police said they are searching for a suspect.
www.nbcnews.com
Why do I always immediately suspect that the suspect will be "known to law enforcement"?
I'd probably wager even up odds he has a secret handler as well...
My deficiency.
Sometimes a firebug is just a firebug.
Check out that dudes high-water pants. Are those stylish?
Can't keep up...
I'd probably wager even up odds he has a secret handler as well...
My deficiency.
Sometimes a firebug is just a firebug.
Check out that dudes high-water pants. Are those stylish?
Can't keep up...
Elza
Veteran Member
Wishful thinking?
Wildweasel
F-4 Phantoms Phorever
Photo is of a man in a track suit. So, Russian or Ukrainian? Which side did Bernie piss off enough to do this with his Ukraine funding bill vote?View attachment 468920
Fire at Bernie Sanders' Vermont office investigated as arson
There were no reported injuries, and Sanders was not in the Burlington building at the time. Police said they are searching for a suspect.
Updated April 5, 2024, 11:12 PM EDT
A fire at Sen. Bernie Sanders' Vermont office is being investigated as arson, the Burlington Fire Department said Friday.
Firefighters were dispatched Friday morning to the building that houses the independent senator's only congressional office in the state. They found "a fire in the vestibule between the elevator and the entrance door to [Sanders'] office," the fire department said in a news release.
Police in Burlington said "an unknown male subject entered the vestibule" of Sanders' office and then "sprayed an apparent accelerant on the entrance door."
"He then lit the accelerant and fled," the police statement said. It also said that 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."
There were no reported injuries. The door to Sanders' office was damaged by the fire and other parts of the building had water damage.
The suspect has not been apprehended, and there is no known motive, according to police.
“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,” said Sanders’ state director Kathryn Van Haste in a statement. “We are relieved that no one on our staff and, to our understanding, no one in the building was harmed.”
Van Haste said that U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms are coordinating with local first responders.
The Burlington Fire Marshal’s office, Burlington Police Department and Vermont State Police are conducting a joint investigation.
A spokesperson for the state police did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday night.
The suspected arson comes as Capitol Police recorded an uptick in threat assessment cases last year. Police investigated more than 8,000 cases — about 500 more than the previous year — including cases involving "concerning statements and direct threats," according to a January release.
Sanders, 82, is in his third term as senator. He previously served in the House for 16 years, and before that was mayor of Burlington, where he lives with his wife.
Fire at Bernie Sanders' Vermont office investigated as arson
There were no reported injuries, and Sanders was not in the Burlington building at the time. Police said they are searching for a suspect.
greysage
On The Level
Sanders torch suspect had AK-47, climate activist bomber book in Illinois cop stop
BY GUY PAGE ON APRIL 10, 2024 • ( 9 COMMENTS )
Shant Soghomonian, arrested for allegedly torching the outside of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office, had an AK-47 and a book by a climate activist advocating sabotage when stopped by Illinois police last year.
By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First
The man charged with setting fire to a historic building that includes the Vermont offices of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, was carrying an AK-47 rifle and a book entitled “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” when stopped by Illinois police last August, newly released court records show.
According to Wikipedia, How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Learning to Fight in a World on Fire is a nonfiction book written by Andreas Malm and published in 2021 by Verso Books. In the book, Malm argues that sabotage is a logical form of climate activism, and criticizes both pacifism within the climate movement and “climate fatalism” outside it. The book inspired a film of the same name.
Shant M. Soghomonian, 35, formerly of Northridge, Calif. appeared for his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Burlington Tuesday afternoon for the arson charge.
Federal Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle agreed to a government request that a detention motion be heard on Thursday afternoon. Doyle said the Pre-Trial Services Office had not had time to complete a report on Soghomonian.
After the court hearing, Soghomonian was returned to the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans Town where he has been held since shortly after his arrest on Sunday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has filed a criminal complaint against Soghomonian for causing damage to 1 Church Street, which is also the home to the law firm of Paul Frank & Collins and a Chase Bank branch.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher, in his detention motion, noted the Illinois State Police had stopped Soghomonian for a traffic violation in August 2023. Investigation showed besides the book and the AK-47 rifle, Soghomonian had two magazines to go with the weapon and about 12 grams of cannabis, Lasher wrote.
Soghomonian also told police he did not have a weapon in his vehicle, but that proved to be untruthful, Lasher noted. It is not the only time Soghomonian has tried to deceive police, Lasher reported.
He said the defendant has a history of itinerancy, gun possession and a lack of candor with law enforcement.
The veteran prosecutor also noted Soghomonian as “a juvenile in his mid-teens, he was arrested or detained for an assault involving a firearm on a person in Glendale, California.”
The case appears to have been dismissed in part in the “furtherance of justice” on some counts and also resulted in the imposition of a wardship on others, Lasher wrote in his motion.
The ATF obtained search warrants for the room at the Quality Inn in Shelburne, where Soghomonian was arrested as he prepared to leave on Sunday. The federal agents also obtained a warrant for the 2019 blue Subaru Impreza that was parked in front of the motel, just south of the South Burlington line. It was registered in New York.
The ATF seized a tote bag consistent with a bag shown in a security video outside the targeted building, Lasher said. The bag had a handheld long-neck lighter, matches and fire starter materials.
Sanders was not at the office, but staff members were there working.
Soghomonian had stayed at the Shelburne inn for only one night and was due to leave after sunrise, but he was arrested by the ATF with help from Williston and Shelburne Police about 5 a.m.
Soghomonian failed to immediately answer his door at the Quality Inn when police announced their presence, but said he was getting dressed, the ATF said.
Investigators heard what sounded like the dragging of heavy items near the door, but the man continued to refuse to open the door, ATF Special Agent Eric Brimo said.
Fearing a barricade, a pass key was used to unlock the door, but it was blocked, forcing officers to push their way in, Brimo reported.
Soghomonian was found inside, and he was wearing what appeared to be the same white Nike shoes that had been seen on security video during the arson on Friday morning, the ATF said.
The investigation has shown Soghomonian had lived for much of February and March at the former La Quinta Inn on Williston Road next to Al’s French Frys. The motel is now known as the Inn at Burlington.
Sanders torch suspect had AK-47, climate activist bomber book in Illinois cop stop - Vermont Daily Chronicle
When stopped by police last year, Soghomonian had an AK-47 with two loaded magazines, 12 ounces of cannabis, and a book advocating sabotage as a form of climate activism.
vermontdailychronicle.com
Sanders torch suspect had AK-47, climate activist bomber book in Illinois cop stop
BY GUY PAGE ON APRIL 10, 2024 • ( 9 COMMENTS )
Shant Soghomonian, arrested for allegedly torching the outside of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office, had an AK-47 and a book by a climate activist advocating sabotage when stopped by Illinois police last year.
By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First
The man charged with setting fire to a historic building that includes the Vermont offices of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, was carrying an AK-47 rifle and a book entitled “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” when stopped by Illinois police last August, newly released court records show.
According to Wikipedia, How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Learning to Fight in a World on Fire is a nonfiction book written by Andreas Malm and published in 2021 by Verso Books. In the book, Malm argues that sabotage is a logical form of climate activism, and criticizes both pacifism within the climate movement and “climate fatalism” outside it. The book inspired a film of the same name.
Shant M. Soghomonian, 35, formerly of Northridge, Calif. appeared for his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Burlington Tuesday afternoon for the arson charge.
Federal Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle agreed to a government request that a detention motion be heard on Thursday afternoon. Doyle said the Pre-Trial Services Office had not had time to complete a report on Soghomonian.
After the court hearing, Soghomonian was returned to the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans Town where he has been held since shortly after his arrest on Sunday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has filed a criminal complaint against Soghomonian for causing damage to 1 Church Street, which is also the home to the law firm of Paul Frank & Collins and a Chase Bank branch.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher, in his detention motion, noted the Illinois State Police had stopped Soghomonian for a traffic violation in August 2023. Investigation showed besides the book and the AK-47 rifle, Soghomonian had two magazines to go with the weapon and about 12 grams of cannabis, Lasher wrote.
Soghomonian also told police he did not have a weapon in his vehicle, but that proved to be untruthful, Lasher noted. It is not the only time Soghomonian has tried to deceive police, Lasher reported.
He said the defendant has a history of itinerancy, gun possession and a lack of candor with law enforcement.
The veteran prosecutor also noted Soghomonian as “a juvenile in his mid-teens, he was arrested or detained for an assault involving a firearm on a person in Glendale, California.”
The case appears to have been dismissed in part in the “furtherance of justice” on some counts and also resulted in the imposition of a wardship on others, Lasher wrote in his motion.
The ATF obtained search warrants for the room at the Quality Inn in Shelburne, where Soghomonian was arrested as he prepared to leave on Sunday. The federal agents also obtained a warrant for the 2019 blue Subaru Impreza that was parked in front of the motel, just south of the South Burlington line. It was registered in New York.
The ATF seized a tote bag consistent with a bag shown in a security video outside the targeted building, Lasher said. The bag had a handheld long-neck lighter, matches and fire starter materials.
Sanders was not at the office, but staff members were there working.
Soghomonian had stayed at the Shelburne inn for only one night and was due to leave after sunrise, but he was arrested by the ATF with help from Williston and Shelburne Police about 5 a.m.
Soghomonian failed to immediately answer his door at the Quality Inn when police announced their presence, but said he was getting dressed, the ATF said.
Investigators heard what sounded like the dragging of heavy items near the door, but the man continued to refuse to open the door, ATF Special Agent Eric Brimo said.
Fearing a barricade, a pass key was used to unlock the door, but it was blocked, forcing officers to push their way in, Brimo reported.
Soghomonian was found inside, and he was wearing what appeared to be the same white Nike shoes that had been seen on security video during the arson on Friday morning, the ATF said.
The investigation has shown Soghomonian had lived for much of February and March at the former La Quinta Inn on Williston Road next to Al’s French Frys. The motel is now known as the Inn at Burlington.
Sanders torch suspect had AK-47, climate activist bomber book in Illinois cop stop - Vermont Daily Chronicle
When stopped by police last year, Soghomonian had an AK-47 with two loaded magazines, 12 ounces of cannabis, and a book advocating sabotage as a form of climate activism.
Hummmm.....right from central casting. Anyone want to consider that Bernie was thinking about making a move at the convention as the senior statesman of the "far left"?
greysage
On The Level
President Trump may be asking him to run as his VP.
Dobbin
Faithful Steed
More likely Bernie was not considered "far enough left" to satisfy.
At Bernie's age and now comfortable life's existence (he benefited greatly by allowing Joe free rein at the 2020 DN Convention) he's not likely to upset ANYTHING - or anyone. He's now "paid for."
There is an entire "sub-branch" of the Democratic National Committee who literally look to "burn it all down."
And yes, they only hate you a little more than the enabled Deep State.
Dobbin
Ractivist
Pride comes before the fall.....Pride month ended.
I've not heard on iota of info of any established democrat turncoat....
Dobbin
Faithful Steed
This true. Not a smidge.
At least part of the strength of the Democratic Party is their "consolidation." They think alike, they vote alike, and they "follow orders" apparently.
Sinema might be the possible exception, but she is not to be considered any sort of "obstacle" to the Marxist Agenda.
Meanwhile, the Republicans (spit) can't seem to hold together a coalition, with the possible exception of about twelve MAGA, by no means a majority.
Dobbin
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Sandcastle76
Senior Member
Well darn…. Low batteries in my “give a d@mn” meter … just got thru a week from h€ll at work and a huge rain/wind event…3 guesses what I’m doing this weekend…get to roll solo since DH is working out of town this weekend. Gonna a be a joy, I tell you a joy, picking up tree trash and righting everything. Feel good moment of the week…being my lettuces we’re not adversely affected.