A suspect, Shant Soghomonian, has been arrested following an arson attack at the office of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in Burlington, Vermont. The incident occurred while staff were present in the building, though no injuries were reported. Soghomonian, captured on security footage applying a flammable liquid to the office door and lighting it, faces charges of using fire to damage the building. The potential sentence, if convicted, includes a significant prison term along with a fine. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

Senator Sanders, who was not in the office at the time, acknowledged the efforts of the responding authorities for their rapid action. The event has drawn attention amid the broader context of heightened political tensions and reports of implied threats of violence against politicians in the U.S.

The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including local police departments, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Capitol Police. The incident has prompted a review of security measures, especially reflecting on the recent initiatives Senator Sanders has undertaken with President Joe Biden concerning prescription drug costs.

As of now, Soghomonian is in custody, though it is not clear if he has sought legal representation or when his court appearance is scheduled. The case is ongoing, and further developments may shed light on the motivations behind the attack.