In a shocking turn of events, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the fire that broke out at Senator Bernie Sanders' Vermont office, which is being investigated as arson. The Department of Justice has identified the suspect as 35-year-old Shant Soghomonian, also known as Michael Soghomonian. Previously residing in Northridge, California, Soghomonian was taken into custody on Sunday and is facing charges of using fire to damage a building in Burlington, Vermont.

According to court records, Soghomonian allegedly entered the building on Friday morning and made his way to the third floor, where Senator Sanders' office is located. Security footage reveals that the suspect sprayed a liquid near the outer door of the office before igniting the area with a hand-held lighter, sparking a blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the outer door of Sanders' office and the surrounding areas, triggering sprinklers on multiple floors to discharge, as stated by the DOJ.

Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported as a result of the incident. While several employees were present in the office at the time, the exact number of other occupants in the building remains unknown. In response to the arrest, Senator Sanders expressed gratitude towards the swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement and thanked the public for their support and well-wishes.

The fire was initially reported on Friday, prompting firefighters to rush to the site. They discovered the fire in the vestibule between the elevator and the entrance door to Senator Sanders' office. Thankfully, the senator himself was not present during the incident, and his state director, Kathryn Van Haste, confirmed that none of the staff members in the building were harmed.

As investigations into the matter continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of public figures and their offices. The swift action taken by law enforcement to apprehend the suspect is commendable and reflects their commitment to protecting the well-being of individuals.

Senator Sanders and his team remain dedicated to serving the people of Vermont, undeterred by this unfortunate event. As they navigate through these challenging times, they appreciate the overwhelming support received from their constituents and are determined to continue championing the needs of Vermonters.

This arrest brings hope for a swift resolution to the case as authorities work to uncover the motivations behind this act of arson and deliver justice.