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This undated photo obtained from a MySpace
webpage shows Daniel Cowart of Bells, Tenn.,
one of the two men charged with plotting to
kill Barack Obama and others. (AP Photo)
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Paul Schlessman
(Photo: news.lalate.com)
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By Dorothy Rowley
AFRO Staff Writer
(November 1, 2008) -- A federal judge in Memphis delayed a hearing until Nov. 6 to determine if authorities have enough evidence to continue to hold the two White supremacists accused of plotting to kill Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama.
Daniel Cowart, 20, of rural Crockett County, Tenn., and Paul Schlesselman, 18, of Helena-West Helena, Ark., on Thursday were ordered held without bond in federal custody.
Neither detainee objected to the bond denials although they agreed to waive a detention hearing, according to the Associated Press.
Cowart and Schlesselman are charged with possessing an illegal sawed-off shotgun, planning to steal weapons from a federally-licensed gun dealer and threatening a presidential candidate.
Authorities believe the two, who are described as White supremacist skinheads, met over the Internet. They were initially detained by local authorities in West Tennessee about windows being shot out at a predominantly Black church.
However, following questioning, sheriff's deputies called in federal investigators.
Appearing in court late last week wearing orange jumpsuits and hand and leg chains, both men reportedly sat quietly at the defense table as three U. S. marshals stood guard behind them. At least four additional marshals were also in the courtroom.
Court records state that the two were plotting a killing spree that was to include more than 80 murders of other African Americans before culminating with a potential suicide attack on Obama.
They reportedly told investigators they planned to drive toward Obama at high speed while dressed in white tuxedoes and top hats and blasting with firearms from the windows of their vehicle.