Man wanted for alleged arson at Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont, police report

Authorities are seeking a man who allegedly set fire to Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Vermont.

The suspect entered the building and sprayed an accelerant on Sanders’ office door on Friday morning.

He then lit the fire and fled the scene, according to the police.

A “significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the [access] of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives,” as stated by Burlington Police.

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The third-floor offices of Sanders and nearby offices were evacuated as a precaution.

No injuries were reported, and the building’s sprinkler system helped put out the fire, according to authorities.

The Burlington Fire Marshal’s office, Burlington Police Department, and Vermont State Police are jointly investigating the incident.

This fire incident comes amidst a rise in threats against political figures in the US.

Capitol Police reported investigating over 8,000 cases last year, which is about 500 more than the previous year, as per a January report.

Sanders, 82, is an independent and currently serving his third term in the US Senate.

He previously served in the House of Representatives for 16 years and was also the mayor of Burlington in Vermont.

In 2016, he ran as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, receiving significant support from young voters.