The Virginia city councilman who was set ablaze by a maniac in a ruthless personal attack faces a “long, painful and uncertain recovery” as he remains hospitalized with gruesome burns covering more than half his body.

Authorities say Danville Councilman Lee Vogler knew his attacker and the assault stemmed from a personal matter, not Vogler’s service on the city council.

Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler begins his first surgery after being set on fire, according to a statement from his wife.