Case Summary
As per the case described by Helmore (2024), Shant Soghomonian, 35, allegedly set fire to Senator Bernie Sanders’ Burlington office, endangering staff inside. Caught on camera, he sprayed accelerant on the entry door, ignited it with a lighter, and fled. There were no injuries, but the fire damaged the building, and the real motive remains unknown. The incident coincides with a rise in politically motivated threats targeting other politicians. If convicted, Soghomonian faces from five to 20 years in prison, accompanied by a $250,000 fine.
Criminal Analysis
The possible crimes committed include the following.
Arson
Definition: the intentional burning or attempt to burn any construction.
Application: Soghomonian allegedly entered Senator Sanders’ office building, sprayed an accelerant on the entry door, and then set fire; all these actions align with the elements of arson.
Endangerment
Definition: placing another person in danger of death or severe injury.
Application: The fire set by Soghomonian endangered the lives of the employees working inside the office. The Burlington police department noted that the fire impeded the staff’s ability to exit the office, putting their lives at risk.
Possible Defenses
Diminished Capacity
Soghomonian might argue that he was not mentally capable of realizing the results of his conduct.
Application: Establishing oneself under the influence of substances at the time of the crime may be attributed to diminished capacity (MacIntyre et al., 2021). The defense could argue that Soghomonian’s capacity to foresee the outcomes was diminished, potentially reducing culpability.
Motive Unclear
Without a clear motive established for Soghomonian’s alleged actions, no malicious intent behind his deeds could be suggested.
Application: The lack of evidence linking the defendant’s actions to any specific motive might cast doubt on the prosecution’s case (Nagin & Telep, 2020). Investigators have yet to release details about a possible motive for Soghomonian’s actions, which the defense may use.
References
Helmore, E. (2024). Suspect arrested in arson attack on Bernie Sanders’ Vermont office. The Guardian.
MacIntyre, M. R., Darby, W. C., Sones, A. C., Li, J., Leong, G. B., & Weinstock, R. (2021). Voluntary intoxication, homicide, and mens rea: Past, present, and future. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 39(2), 150-169.
Nagin, D. S., & Telep, C. W. (2020). Procedural justice and legal compliance: A revisionist perspective. Criminology & Public Policy, 19(3), 761-786.