'Was it a Clinton hitman?': Bizarre theories circulate online as cops arrest suspect for causing fire at Bernie Sanders' Vermont office

BURLINGTON, VERMONT: A suspect has been arrested for alleged arson at Senator Bernie Sanders' office in Vermont on April 5, CNN reported.

In a press release on Sunday, April 7, the Department of Justice said that Shant Soghomonian, 35, caused a fire inside the building where the senator's office was located. He is also known as Michael Soghomonian and previously resided in Northridge, California.

According to DOJ, the suspect entered the building located in Burlington, Vermont on April 6 morning, making his way to the third floor, which has 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 press release read.

As the fire spread, Soghomonian left the building through a staircase.

Sanders was not present at the office at the time, however, some employees were present, and no injuries were reported.

Bernie Sanders thanks authorities for quick response

In a statement on Sunday, Bernie Sanders expressed his gratitude to authorities for their quick response. "I am deeply grateful to the swift, professional, coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement in response to the fire at my Vermont office on Friday. I am also thankful that none of the many people who were in the office building at the time of the fire were injured," he said.

"I appreciate the outpouring of support and well-wishes for me and my staff. We are proud to be able to continue to serve Vermonters during these challenging times," Sanders added.

The office had severe water damage from sprinklers, and the fire destroyed the office door.

Authorities are yet to find the motive behind the suspect's act.

The DOJ said that Soghomonian could face imprisonment between five and 20 years if convicted and a fine of up to $250,000.

Internet shares bizarre theories over fire at Sanders' office

In response to the suspect's arrest, netizens came up with some bizarre theories about Soghomonian and linked him to Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and MAGA.

One social media user asked, "Was it a Clinton hitman?" While another one remarked, "Lemme guess… Antifa, right?"

One person baselessly claimed, "Another MAGA terrorist strikes again. When are we going to get serious about addressing right wing violence?"

"Must be a Biden supporter," one person said. Another person said, "No doubt a maga fanatic."

One individual said, "Must be Trumps fault." Another asked, "Looks just like bernie, did bernie do it????"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.