Man accused of arson at Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office facing federal charges

The man charged with setting fire to the door of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Burlington office is now facing a federal charge. Shant Soghomonian, 35, is being charged with the “malicious damage of a commercial building used in interstate commerce.”

On April 5, Soghomonian was recorded on video entering the Church Street building and using lighter fluid to light a fire at the entrance to Sen. Sanders’ office. While Sanders was not in the office at the time, several employees as well as employees at other businesses in the building had to be evacuated.

Soghomonian was identified in the video and arrested two days later.

In court today, he was ordered to be held until his next court appearance next week. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison, and be fined up to $250,000.

Read more: WPTZ (Plattsburgh, NY)