Far-leftists celebrate arson attack on Idaho gun store owned by Republican state House candidate Cornel Rasor

An individual linked to Antifa, a far-left extremist group, praised the attack on social media, writing on X that their "community got safer." Alicia Abbott, of North Idaho, justified the attack, claiming that Rasor is a "Christian Nationalist."

The Sandpoint Police Department released video surveillance footage that shows a person walking in the alley behind the store located at Oak Street and Fifth Avenue and then coming to a stop. A flame can then be seen before the person walks away. Authorities have offered a $5,000 reward for information related to the incident.

The State Fire Marshal's Office and the ATF determined the fire was an arson attack. The downtown building could not be salvaged and will have to be gutted after burning for more than 12 hours, as per the Bonner County Daily Bee.

Store owner Cornel Rasor is running as a Republican for the Idaho House of Representatives District 1. He managed the Army Surplus store for 41 years and has owned it for the past two years. Rasor previously served as the county commissioner in Bonner County for four years. The candidate describes himself as a Christian conservative who is running on a conservative platform. He has three adult children and 16 grandchildren, according to his campaign website.

Brent Regan, chairman of the Idaho Freedom Foundation and Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, posted a link to a crowd-fundraising website for Rasor, writing on X: "Cornel Rasor's business, the Army Surplus Store, burned to the ground on July 4th... Cornel has helped so many of us over the years. Time to return the favor. Please join me in helping the Rasor family through this hardship."

The Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office has asked anyone with information to call their office or tip line at 1-877-75-ARSON.