Police have arrested a man accused of arson at Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Vermont office, officials said Sunday.
Shant Soghomonian, a 35-year-old man also known as Michael Soghomonian, entered the Burlington building Friday morning and walked toward the third floor where Sanders’ office is located, the U.S. attorney’s office said of the District of Vermont in a press release. Sunday. Security video shows the suspected arsonist spraying a liquid near the office’s exterior door, then allegedly starting a fire using a portable lighter.
Burlington Police
Sanders was not in his Burlington office at the time of the fire, authorities said, but several employees were present. They were not injured during the incident. No injuries were reported among people on other floors of the building.
The fire damaged the exterior of the office door and surrounding areas, authorities said. Sprinklers went off on several floors of the building. The Burlington Fire Department described the damage to the door as moderate. He said there was significant water damage to the third and lower floors. Covers were placed on the floors below Sanders’ office to protect items from the water.
After allegedly starting the fire, the suspect left down a flight of stairs, authorities said. Soghomonian was arrested on Sunday. Authorities have not specified a possible motive.
If convicted, Soghomonian faces a maximum sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A first court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
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