A 35-year-old man whose last known address was in California was arrested for allegedly starting a fire in a Burlington building outside the door of Vermont Independent-ish Senator Bernie Sanders’ third-floor office on Friday morning, NBC News reports.
Shant Soghomonian of Riverside, California entered an office building and went to the third floor where the Senator’s local office is located. With staff members in the office, Soghomonian sprayed a liquid on the walls and floor around the office door and lit it on fire. The building’s fire sprinkler system effectively contained the fire, but caused damage throughout the building. Fire damage was limited and there were no injuries reported.
Soghomonian, also known as Michael Soghomonian, was charged with intentionally using fire to damage a building. If convicted, he faces 5 to 20 years in prison and a quarter million dollar fine. Police say Soghomonian has yet to state a motive.