Skinhead admits Obama death plot

An Arkansas skinhead has admitted plotting to kill then-Senator Barack Obama in 2008
12 April 2012

An American skinhead has admitted plotting to kill then-Senator Barack Obama and dozens of other black people in 2008.

Paul Schlesselman, 19, of Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of threatening to kill and harm a presidential candidate and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

He faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced in April.

A co-defendant, Daniel Cowart, 21, of Tennessee, remains in custody.

Authorities described the two as white supremacist skinheads who hatched a plot for a cross-country robbery and killing spree that was to culminate with an attack on Mr Obama, who was then a candidate for president. They were arrested in October 2008 and have been held without bond since.

"Despite great civil rights progress, hate-fuelled violence remains all too common in our country, as illustrated by this unthinkable conspiracy," said Thomas E Perez, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division in the Justice Department.

Authorities said that although the two had enough guns to create carnage, they never got close to carrying out their plans. When arrested, Cowart and Schlesselman were staying with Cowart's grandparents in rural northwest Tennessee.

Much of the evidence against the two was seized by sheriff's deputies from the grandparents' home. Items seized from the home included a sawed-off shotgun, a high-powered rifle, a handgun and several swords and knives.

Federal investigators said the two gave statements about their plans, which included shooting at Mr Obama from a speeding car while wearing white tuxedoes and top hats. Prosecutors said investigators were looking for Schlesselman and Cowart on a tip from an informant when the two drove up to the home of Cowart's grandfather in a car emblazoned with a large swastika on the hood and the slogan Honk if you love Hitler on the back.

Authorities said Cowart and Schlesselman met over the internet where they shared common white supremacist views.

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