Possible Obama Assassination Plot in Denver -- Here is the Latest

Mainstream media are now confirming, and going beyond, the initial reports of a possible assassination plot against Barack Obama and the arrest of two men.

Following up an earlier TV report, NBC in Denver is now reporting, "Sources tell NBC the two men had tattoos and jewelry popular with white supremacists." It also notes that an unidentified source tells NBC, "There is no reason for someone [with a criminal record] to have rifles with scopes."

My Web research has found a home address for one of the men, Tharin Robert Gartrell, in Lakewood, Co. Local media have revealed that he is a local DJ and goes under the name Tharin Roberts. I have located his myspace page--as Tharin Roberts--which confirms and expands all this and includes his photo, which lines up with that of Gartrell.

The Denver Post has just led its Web piece with: "Federal authorities have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday afternoon amid reports that a fortunate traffic stop by Aurora Police may have disrupted an assassination attempt against Barack Obama." Another local news site reports a possible third arrest. But it could also just be a bunch of meth heads talking trash.

My Web search found that Gartrell, 28, attended Fort Morgan High School in Colorado from 1995 to 1999.

Update from ABC News at 10 p.m. ET: "A witness interviewed in the case said one of suspects allegedly said the guns were to be used to kill the Illinois senator, but authorities do not believe the alleged threat put Obama in immediate danger.....Authorities told ABC News the men had tattoos of white supremacist images."

Another update from CBS4 in Denver: "CBS4 has now learned at least four people are under arrest in connection with a possible plot to kill Barack Obama at his Thursday night acceptance speech in Denver. All are being held on either drug or weapons charges. CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass reported one of the suspects told authorities they were 'going to shoot Obama from a high vantage point using a ... rifle ... sighted at 750 yards.'

"Law enforcement sources tell Maass that one of the suspects 'was directly asked if they had come to Denver to kill Obama. He responded in the affirmative.'"

Andrew Romano of Newsweek brings this amazing tidbit: "The hotel where the pair of would-be assassins' was staying: the Cherry Creek Hotel at 600 South Colorado Boulevard in Glendale. The hotel where NEWSWEEK's entire convention team is staying: the Cherry Creek Hotel at 600 South Colorado Boulevard in Glendale.

"Apparently, crack NEWSWEEK investigative reporter Mark Hosenball actually spied a couple of FBI agents lurking around the premises late last night. He's looking into the matter now, and we'll report back as soon as he hears more."

TMZ.com now has his mug shot (also see front page of Huff Post). AP has just now covered the story. If anyone wants to pay and search for his criminal and other records, go to:
http://www.whitepages.com/search/Rep...

Firearms and methamphetamine were seized. NBC: "An official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, says there is concern about the arrest considering the Democratic National Convention kicked off in Denver on Monday. People convicted of a felony are not allowed to possess guns."

The earlier TV report from KUSA-TV in Denver kicked off with, "Federal authorities have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday afternoon amid reports that a fortunate traffic stop by Aurora Police may have disrupted an assassination attempt against Barack Obama.

The first man, identified by the station as Tharin Gartrell, 28, was charged with suspicion of being a felon in possession of a weapon after police found two rifles, a high-powered scope and methamphetamine in his car after the traffic stop.

When police accompanied Gartrell to his hotel in Glendale, a second man jumped from a window and was injured in a four-story fall, according to the station. That man was then arrested, but has not been identified by police.

Federal authorities are refusing to comment about why they believe the case is possibly tied to an assassination.

And more: "Its unclear precisely why authorities suspect the men were targeting Barack Obama, but one of the officer's who was briefed says he was told at least one of the suspects made statements to that effect. The Secret Service, ATF and the FBI are all involved in the investigation. A Secret Service spokesman says the agency is concerned by the proximity to the convention and the items found in the man's car."
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Greg Mitchell's new book is So Wrong for So Long: How the Press, the Pundits -- and the President -- Failed on Iraq. He is editor of Editor & Publisher.

Comments

[AlanBJ]

This happens as we are a few days from the 45th anniversary of MLK's "Dream" speech.

But I say to each of you, my spiritual brothers and sisters, that according to Isaiah 54:17:
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD."

As per MLK:

"And then I got into Memphis. And some began to say that threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers?

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

[Maderous]

God please protect this man so his little girls can have a father and our country a leader. And let no one question this man's love for his country, he has been facing this threat from the start. This element of our country, the element that would destroy the very essence of democracy in the most despicable of ways, remains very real, and it is this element that an Obama Presidency threatens most. We have all known this was a very real possibility from the start and this was a factor in his decision to run for President: to knowingly and willingly put his life on the line in service of his country.

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=287966214&s=143441

[meanguy]

was that a prayer or campaign ad? the Lord loves the former; the latter probably bores Him to tears

[RepugsOut08]

I hope this proves to be a false alarm as far as the assassination plot is concerned, but good work on the part of the police for apprehending these morons in any case. They obviously meant to harm someone.
Obama asked for security early on, so I'm confident he knows what's at stake and is well protected. Especially with toadies like Limbaugh, Hannity and O'reilly fanning the fires of hatred.

[Moka11]

I would like to repeat and remind everyone that no matter who you support in this election, Barack Obama is putting his life on the line for this election.
When I see him in an open area surrounded by trees I am stunned and hopeful nothing happens.
Of course, his opponent is also...but if we are honest with the situation we know the odds of who might be MORE at risk at who some people may want to harm. This news is unacceptable and hopefully heightens the alert for all the great law enforcement agencies presently working diligently in Denver.

[plafayette]

The danger is in not believing. Americans MUST wake-up to the fact that racism remains a very strong and dangerous factor to any type of success obtained by African Americans. As much as Colin Powell was once "loved" his wife told him she could not go through the threat it would mean for his life. Colin Powell then declined his party's urging to run for office. Please vote for CHANGE and thow as much light on the problem of racism as possible. That is the only way we can root this problem out of our society for good. OBAMA 08

[kroses98]

I am stunned how much racism exists in my supposedly upper middle-class, educated suburban neighborhood, even among Democrats with Masters Degrees and above!!! How utterly disgusting, and what a poor commentary on the people of this country!!! They deserve whatever they get in a government!!!

[MJJBunny]

Threats against one's life does not deserve sarcastic comments, but a complete investigation. Threats against a Presidential candidate's life of either party should be criminal. For heaven's sake, is partisanship more important than concern for human life. What's wrong with some of you? If these men are, in fact, influenced by white supremacists, I suggest you spend some time on their message boards to find just how they think with the few brain cells they have.

Stop worrying about if McCain will win and begin caring about human life.

[doctorwang]

I wouldn't be surprised if this was being downplayed. The US Attorney General - Ted Eid - is a R0ve DOJ appointee. And these days the AP is more than a little pro- McCain.

Rocky Mountain News article on the subject:

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/25/police-investigate-possible-plot-kill-obama/

[XME]

Actually, I wouldn't be suprised if Obama would WANT this downplayed. He does not want his nomination to be about assassination plots against the the black man challenging the status quo that racist want to keep. He wants it to be about hope and change and possibility, not hate and fear and the fact that his life will be in more peril than most candidates simply because of the color of his skin.

[doctorwang]

If you look at how R0ve has run campaigns in the past.....i­t is always beneficial to have the opposition look like they are the ones using dirty tactics. In this case the "dirty tactics" would be considered extreme (by anyone who is rational).
Care to place a bet on whether these folk were Repubs or Dems?
Think the G0P wants to be associated in any way with these thugs?

[doctorwang]

Let me try again (sorry if this is double posted).
Would you like to place a bet whether these guys were Repubs or Dems?
Do you thing that the G0P wants any association with these thugs?

[abby4ever]

It sounds like the MSM is UP playing it. For it suits them down to the ground to scare voters into thinking that O's days are numbered so why vote for him?

[doctorwang]

I haven't heard much from the MSM on this...the­n again, that may be due to the convention coverage. If there is any connection to the liberal hate spewing of Rush, Hannity, etc., (like with the Unitarian Church shootings in Knoxville) it would not bode well for those neocon pundits. Those pundits are the life blood of the G0P.....es­pecially considering how screwed our country has become by 8 years of B#sh & Co. This should be the time for a Democr@tic win....the­y need the those pundits to remain "untarnished".

[wordlife]

Sorry but this seems like a bit of a stretch.
Criminals with meth carrying guns and white supremist tattoos?

"An official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, says there is concern about the arrest considering the Democratic National Convention kicked off in Denver on Monday. People convicted of a felony are not allowed to possess guns."

I guarantee this isn't the first time a group of felons have been arrested for possesion of firearms. I would also hypothesize that the possesion of the drugs almost necessitates a firearm for any illegal dealings they are involved in and that the guns are linked to the drugs and not an assassination attempt. I've never heard of anyone smoking meth before orchestrating a complex plot to assassinate a presidential candidate.

These are white trash morons that realized they are screwed because they have firearms, drugs and long criminal records and now they are hoping to get some notoriety that will help them on the inside when they go back to jail.

[Moka11]

Wow...you got it all figured out before all of law enforcement does. You're like a crimefight­er/attorne­y/psychic/­canine sort. No matter what you have chosen for your lifes work or profession I hope you haven't shunned the law enforcement community. They use psychics and canines more and more.)

[guzzel]

I'm no Obama fan, but this is just sick. If true and convicted, hopefully they'll do some serious jail time.

[naijaman]

If true, these folks deserve a major ass-whoopin'

[sawheat1]

GOD HELP US IF , ANYBODY BRINGS HARM TO OBAMA AND HIS FAMILY.
NO MORE NO MORE......­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­.........

[caliguy]

Oh come on--Barack Obama was in Kansas City tonight. I don't doubt these morons may have hatched the idea, but let's not over-play the incident.

[Beca]

This is terrible! Either they need to encase Obama in a bullet proof area or have him wear a bullet proof suit with a helmet! Being out in the open in that stadium that holds 70,000 places him a even greater risk!
Other countries have those bullet proof areas where elected official or heads of state can be while still being visible to their audience and where they can safely give their speech. One would think that after so many Presidential assassinations, Presidential candidate assasinations, and the assassination of MLK, someone would have come up with a protective bullet proof cube where someone like Obama or any other person who has the threat of an assassination could safely give his speech.
Something happens to him or his family this country may implode!

[CaptainStormfield]

The lack of facts here is the thing. Everyone should just calm down and wait for more info.

[cassidynj]

A great test of the effectiveness of the McCain-Rove-Schmidt smear/hate campaign. You should be so proud of your strategy, Mr. McCain. Anything to be President, right? When all else fails, you have the POW card to deflect blame and responsibility.

[glorysong]

Something is very fishy here.

[doctorwang]

like what?

[Matango]

Why would they immediately give up their intentions, especially when they are so nefarious and obviously illegal?

I wouldn't take the Aryan Brotherhood lightly.