Idaho Gun Store Owned By GOP Candidate Cornel Rasor Targeted In Arson Attack

An arson attack on the Army Surplus 1 store in Sandpoint, Idaho, owned by Republican state House candidate Cornel Rasor, is under investigation. The fire, set on July 4, destroyed the historic downtown store. Far-left extremists, including individuals linked to Antifa, have celebrated the incident online, claiming it made their “community safer.”

The Sandpoint Police Department released surveillance footage showing a suspect starting the fire behind the store. The footage reveals the suspect stopping in the alley, igniting the flame, and walking away. The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF confirmed the fire was arson and have offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Rasor, a conservative Christian, has managed the Army Surplus 1 store for over four decades and owned it for the past two years. He is running for the Idaho House of Representatives District 1, emphasizing his commitment to conservative values. Rasor’s previous roles include serving as a county commissioner in Bonner County.

Community support for Rasor has been strong. Brent Regan, chairman of the Idaho Freedom Foundation and Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, posted a crowdfunding link to help Rasor rebuild. “Cornel has helped so many of us over the years. Time to return the favor,” Regan wrote on social media.

The incident has drawn attention to the increasing violence against conservative figures and properties.