28 Oct 2008

Two arrested in "killing spree" plot in US

3:53 pm on 28 October 2008

Federal agents in the United States have arrested two white men for plotting a "killing spree" of African-Americans and also for threatening to kill Democrat presidential contender Barack Obama.

Court records issued in Memphis on Monday showed Daniel Cowart, 20, and Paul Schlesselman 18, are charged with possessing an unregistered firearm, conspiring to steal firearms from a gun dealer and threatening a candidate for president.

They were arrested last Wednesday in Tennessee.

A Nashville agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told the court they had discussed a "killing spree" at "a predominantly African-American school".

The agent said they planned to shoot 88 black people and decapitate another 14. The numbers 88 and 14 are symbolic in the white supremacist community.

The pair are being held in custody. A rifle, a sawn-off shotgun and three pistols were seized when they were arrested while preparing to break into a gun shop.