Written By Janelle Griffith
Four people were arrested last night (August 26th) on suspicion of a potential plot to kill presidential hopeful Barack Obama at his acceptance speech this Thursday during the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
According to New York’s Daily News, a U.S. counter-terror official confirmed that the individuals--three men and one woman have links to white supremacist groups.
Though none of the four are considered serious threats to the Democratic presidential nominee, they are all being held on either drug or weapons charges.
While in custody, one of the suspects turned on the others, telling investigators of the assassination plot.
It was reported by Denver's CBS4 that one of the suspects told authorities they planned “to shoot Obama from a high vantage point using a rifle sighted at 750 yards."
In a statement, U.S. Attorney, Troy Eid said "We're absolutely confident there is no credible threat to the candidate, the Democratic National Convention or the people of Colorado.”
According to CBS4, police first learned of the plot on Sunday morning (August 24th) when cops arrested 28 year-old Tharin Gartrell, who was driving a rental pick-up truck improperly. Cops found a host of suspicious paraphernalia in the truck including: two high-powered, scoped rifles, camouflage clothing, a bullet proof vest, walkie-talkies, a spotting scope, licenses in the names of other people and methamphetamine.
When cops tried contacting another suspect 33 year-old, Shawn Robert Adolf at a local hotel, Adolf jumped from a sixth floor window, having been wanted on numerous warrants. Adolf was captured shortly after and was found wearing a ring with a swastika.
The other two suspects, 32 year-old Nathan Johnson and the unidentified woman were also arrested at an area motel. Federal officials have scheduled a press conference for later today.
In related Obama news, the Democratic National Convention kicked off yesterday (August 25th). This year’s convention will have a big presence from the hip-hop community with performances by rap superstar Kanye West, Pharrell Williams’ group N.E.R.D. and Wyclef Jean, as well as support from Dr. Benjamin Chavis and his Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN).
[For more coverage on the DNC peep SOHH’s blog Hip Hop 4 Prez]
thanks for the info. its SOHH important
Posted by: teach_one | August 26, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I hope they get locked up w/ the Black Gorilla Family in Level 4 in prison
Posted by: G-UNOT KILLA | August 27, 2008 at 09:05 AM