White supremacists plotted to kill Obama

A US man has pleaded guilty to charges that he plotted 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 fire- arm 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 plotting a cross-country robbery and killing spree that was to culminate with an attack on Obama. They were arrested in October 2008.

“Despite great civil rights progress, hate-fuelled violence remains all too common in our country, as illustrated by this unthinkable conspiracy,” Thomas E Perez, assistant attorney general for the civil rights division in the Justice Department, said in a statement.

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 north-west Tennessee.

A sawn-off shotgun, a rifle, a handgun and several swords and knives were seized from the grandparents’ house.

Federal investigators said the two gave statements about their plans, which included shooting at Obama from a speeding car while wearing white tuxedoes and top hats.

Investigators sought Schlesselman and Cowart on a tip from an informant after the two drove up to the home of Cowart’s grandfather in a car emblazoned with a large swastika on the bonnet 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.