In Vermont, a man named Shant Soghomonian has pleaded not guilty to charges regarding an alleged arson at Senator Bernie Sanders’ office. Soghomonian, 35, was charged with using fire to damage the building in Burlington. During his arraignment, Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered pretrial motions to be filed by July 22, and Soghomonian was detained pending further proceedings. CNN reached out to Soghomonian’s public defender for comment on the case.
According to court records cited by the Justice Department, Soghomonian allegedly entered the building on April 5 and went to the third floor where Senator Sanders’ office is located. He was recorded on security video spraying a liquid near the outer door of the office and lighting the area with a handheld lighter. The fire caused damage to the outside of the office door and surrounding areas, with sprinklers discharging on multiple floors. Despite multiple employees being in the office at the time of the fire, no injuries were reported.
If convicted, Soghomonian could face between five and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the Justice Department. The motive behind the alleged arson remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. Senator Sanders is a well-known progressive figure in Vermont and beyond, and the incident has raised concerns about security at his office. Authorities are working to gather information and evidence related to the case as it progresses through the legal system.
The court proceedings in Soghomonian’s case are ongoing, with pretrial motions to be filed by a set deadline. The defendant has pleaded not guilty, and his public defender has not yet provided a comment on the matter. As more details emerge about the alleged arson, questions remain about the circumstances that led to the incident and any possible motives behind it. The safety and well-being of Senator Sanders and his staff are of utmost importance, and steps are being taken to ensure that security measures are in place to prevent future incidents.
The Justice Department is actively involved in the investigation of the alleged arson at Senator Sanders’ office, with potential legal consequences outlined for the defendant if convicted. Soghomonian’s actions, as described in court records and news releases, point to a deliberate and destructive act that put individuals at risk and caused damage to the building. The legal proceedings will shed light on the full extent of his actions and any additional information that may come to light as the case progresses. However, the immediate concern is ensuring that justice is served and that the safety of the senator and his team is paramount in the aftermath of this incident.
