Authorities are seeking a suspect in connection with an alleged arson incident at the Burlington office of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, according to police reports.
The incident took place around 10:45 a.m. ET on Friday, with the fire starting in the vestibule between the elevator and the entrance door to Sanders' office on the third floor of 1 Church St.
The Burlington Police Department stated that an individual entered the vestibule, sprayed an apparent accelerant on the door to the senator's office, ignited it, and then fled the scene.
The fire caused significant damage to the door and part of the vestibule, hindering the escape of office staff and putting their lives at risk, the police department reported.
Fortunately, the sprinkler system managed to largely extinguish the fire, although it caused moderate damage to the senator's office door and significant water damage to the third floor and floors below.
Sanders was not present at the time of the incident, and no injuries have been reported.
The Burlington Fire Department has classified the fire as incendiary in nature, and the police are currently searching for a male suspect, releasing surveillance stills of the individual.
At present, the motive behind the incident remains unknown, and a joint investigation by the Vermont State Police and Burlington Police Department is underway.
Kathryn Van Haste, Sanders' Vermont state director, expressed gratitude to the responding police and fire crews and relief that no staff members or building occupants were harmed.
Van Haste also noted that the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms are collaborating with local authorities in their response to the incident.