Skinhead pleads guilty to Obama death plot

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.

Authorities said that although the two had enough guns to create carnage, they never got close to carrying out their plans.

Much of the government’s evidence against the two was seized by sheriff’s deputies from the grandparents’ home. Items seized from the home included a sawn-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 tuxedos 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.

nA New Orleans man has also been indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening to kill Mr Obama.

US Attorney Jim Letten said 47-year-old John Turnpaugh was indicted on four counts yesterday that also included drug and gun charges.

According to the indictment, on December 30, a New Orleans Police Department emergency operator received a call from someone who stated he was going to kill Mr Obama and his wife and then hung up.