USA Three arrested in Obama “assassination plot” 26/08/08 09:45 CET

At least three men have been arrested amid fears of a plot to kill Barack Obama at the Democrats’ Convention in Colorado. The FBI are among those investigating alleged plans to take the life of the US Democratic presidential candidate. Obama is not yet in Denver where the conference opened yesterday. It is claimed the assassination bid was set for Thursday when Obama will formally accept his party’s nomination.

Tight protection surrounds the man hoping to become the first black US president after he received death threats in the past. Police stopped a vehicle in Colorado on Sunday driven by 28-year-old Tharin Gartrell. They say they found rifles, ammunition, walkie talkies, and a bulletproof vest.

Others detained include a man who jumped from a hotel window during a police raid, injuring his ankle. Unconfirmed reports say at least one suspect may have links to white supremacist groups.