N.D. Mayor Set For Trial For Burning Supremacist's Former Building

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Leith Mayor Ryan Schock goes on trial next week for burning a building once owned by white supremacist Craig Cobb.

Schock is accused of acting recklessly and not alerting authorities when the fire spread. He maintains he was just trying to clean up the community after Cobb's departure following his failed attempt to turn the town into an Aryan enclave.

Schock faces up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine if convicted of the misdemeanor. He maintains his innocence.

Meanwhile, officials in Antler are preparing to burn an old building Cobb once tried to buy, to replenish money the town spent thwarting him. Cobb is now living near Antler, in the town of Sherwood.

Some Leith-area residents plan to attend the burning in Antler later this month.

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