California man arrested for allegedly setting fire outside Sen. Bernie Sanders office

Burlington, VT – A suspect has been arrested in connection with the fire that occurred last Friday at Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Burlington.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont said that 35-year-old Shant Soghomonian of Northridge California – also known as Michael Soghomonian – was arrested on April 7.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Soghomonian entered One Church Street, spraying an unidentified liquid on Sanders’ office door and igniting it before exiting the building. Authorities evacuated the building, which was occupied by members of the Senator’s staff but not Sanders himself, and no injuries were reported.

The investigation involved the Burlington, Williston and Shelburne police departments, as well as Vermont State Police, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in their investigation.

Senator Sanders released a statement praising law enforcement for their swift  response to the incident and thanking constituents for support throughout the incident.

“I am deeply grateful to the swift, professional, coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement in response to the fire at my Vermont office on Friday. I am also thankful that none of the many people who were in the office building at the time of the fire were injured,” wrote Sanders. “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.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says that if convicted, Soghomonian could face between five and 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. He will appear before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, but a court date has not yet been set.

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