BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The man accused of attempting to torch Senator Bernie Sanders’ Burlington office made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday.
Shant Michael Soghomonian, 35, was arrested Sunday morning after police say he set the door of Sanders’ Burlington office on fire Friday. No one was hurt but the building sustained. substantial water damage from sprinklers.
New court documents indicate Soghomonian as a transient with a history of firearm possession and lying to police. Court paperwork last week did not detail a possible motive.
Authorities say they were contacted by the manager of the Inn at Burlington, telling them he recognized the man pictured in surveillance photos, and that Soghomonian had been staying there for several weeks.
He’ll continue to be held until his next court date on Thursday.