Arrested men talked about killing Obama

DENVER — Federal authorities have brought gun and drug charges against three men who allegedly plotted to assassinate Barack Obama during the Democratic National Convention.

But the three men, whom police said were under the influence of methamphetamines, are not being charged with threats against a presidential candidate because authorities determined the threat was not credible.

{mosads}Terming them “meth-heads,” U.S. Attorney Troy Eid said there was not enough evidence at this time to charge the men with a conspiracy to kill Obama. He also said the investigation would continue.

“There is insufficient evidence at this time to indicate a true threat, plot or conspiracy against Sen. Obama,” said Eid. “The investigation is still ongoing and we are all keeping an open mind.

“What matters at this moment is that, from a legal standpoint, please understand that the law recognizes a difference between what is a true threat, one that can be carried out, and the reported racist rantings of drug abusers,” said Eid.

Police began to make arrests after an early Sunday morning traffic stop in Aurora, Colo.

Police pulled over Tharin Gatrell because he was driving erratically. They then found a small amount of methamphetamines in his pocket, as well as two rifles, boxes of ammunition and a bulletproof vest in his truck, according to an affidavit released by federal officials. A mobile meth-making lab was found in the backseat as well.
 
Gatrell’s arrest led authorities to his cousin, Shawn Adolf. Adolf tried to flee police by jumping six floors down from his hotel room, but was soon arrested.
 
Gatrell, Adolf and several others were in Denver to “chill and do drugs,” according to one person quoted in the affidavit. But discussions soon centered on Obama, whom Gatrell and Adolf said did not belong in the White House because of his race. The affidavit said the men used the N-word to describe Obama.
 
The affidavit cites one witness as describing Gatrell, Adolf and a third man, Nathan Johnson, as racists. This witness also told investigators she believed they were associated with white supremacist groups.
 
Johnson told investigators that Adolf and Gatrell were both in Denver to kill Obama. He said he had heard Adolf threaten Obama, but not Gatrell.

Johnson has also been arrested and charged with crimes relating to firearms and drugs.
 
Eid downplayed the threat to Obama, citing the heavy drug use of those involved. For example, Adolf mistakenly believed he was staying in the same hotel as Obama, the Cherry Creek Hotel in Glendale, Colo.
 
Threats made by Adolf against Obama could not be independently corroborated, according to Eid, since those reporting the threats, along with Adolf, were under the influence of drugs.
 
Eid said he did not know if Obama had been briefed on the threat. Attorney General Michael Mukasey has been briefed on the investigation, though, Eid said.
 
The U.S. attorney declined to comment as to whether there had been any new security precautions made for the convention.