A suspect was arrested in connection with the apparent arson at Sen. Bernie Sanders' Vermont office, federal officials said Sunday.
Shant Soghomonian, 35, was charged with "using fire to damage the building at One Church Street in Burlington," the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont said in a statement.
On Friday, the Burlington Fire Department said that it was notified of a fire via phone call and discovered a blaze set approximately between the vestibule, the elevator, and the entrance door of Sanders' third-floor office.
"A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives," Burlington police said at the time.
Federal officials allege that Soghomonian entered the building on Friday morning and immediately headed toward Sanders' office.
"Soghomonian was recorded on a security video spraying a liquid near the outer door of the office and then lighting the area with a handheld lighter," the US Attorney's Office said. "A blaze quickly began while Soghomonian departed via a staircase."
While there were several employees inside the building during the fire, there were no injuries reported.
If convicted, Soghomonian could face between five and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
