A man who had been staying in a local motel was charged on Sunday with setting a fire at the downtown Burlington office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Police arrested 35-year-old Shant Michael Soghomonian, previously of Northridge, Calif., two days after a man set ablaze the door of Sanders’ third-floor office at 1 Church Street.
Federal court documents made available on Monday reveal that the incident was captured by a camera in the hallway outside the senator’s third-floor office: A man is seen leaving an elevator and walking to the door of the office. He sprays lighter fluid on the door and ignites it with a lighter, according to an affidavit from a special agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sanders was not there, but seven staffers were, the affidavit says. Nobody was injured. The fire activated the sprinkler system, which largely extinguished the blaze but also caused significant water damage on the third and lower floors. Besides Sanders’ office, the building is also home to Chase Bank and other businesses.
Authorities put out a photo captured by another surveillance camera that showed a suspect walking on Church Street. Staff at the Quality Inn on Shelburne Road in Shelburne recognized him and called Burlington police to report he had been staying there for “several weeks.”
Officers knocked on his door, and Soghomonian said he was getting dressed. The officers heard what sounded like heavy objects being dragged to the door. Worried he was barricading himself in, they forced the door open and took him into custody, according to court documents.
The documents reveal nothing about what may have prompted the arson.
If convicted, Soghomonian faces between five and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
In a statement on Sunday, Sanders thanked law enforcement for their “swift, professional, coordinated efforts.” He added, “I appreciate the outpouring of support and well-wishes for me and my staff. We are proud to be able to continue to serve Vermonters during these challenging times.”
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, in a statement, said the city’s Community Justice Center is available to the senator’s staff. “We will continue to be in close communication as their office navigates the impacts of this incident,” she said.
Matthew Roy contributed reporting.
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