Tennessee: White Supremacist Terrorist Pleads Guilty -- Mass Murder Terror Plot -- Paul Schlesselman

January 14, 2010

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

http://www.realcourage.org/2010/01/paul-schlesselman-pleads-guilty/

The U.S. Department of Justice reported today that white supremacist terrorist Paul Schlesselman "admitted to conspiring to murder dozens of people, with a focus on murdering African-Americans. He further acknowledged that he intended to culminate his killing spree by assassinating then-Senator Barack Obama, who was a presidential candidate at the time."

: White Supremacist Paul Schlesselman - Pled Guilty to Conspiracy, Plot to Kill Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) has been reporting on the Paul Schlesselman/Daniel Cowart plot in October 2008 to murder 88 people and also to kill Barack Obama. According to the October 24, 2008 federal affidavit in this case, "Each individual claims to have very strong beliefs and views regarding 'White Power' and 'Skinhead' views.

The individuals began discussing going on a 'killing spree' that included killing 88 people and beheading 14 African Americans." The number 88 is significant for Nazi white supremacists as representing the symbols HH, as H is the 8th letter of the alphabet. It is their code for "Heil Hitler." The number 14 has a similar significance for two white supremacist 14-word slogans (ADL, additional reports).

The affidavit also states "while driving around Cowart and Schlesselman observed a church and decide to shoot a window out." The affidavit identifies the target as the Beech Grove Church of Christ in Brownsville, Tennessee.

: Paul Schlesselman's Photo on MySpace

Regarding the January 14, 2010 guilty plea by Paul Schlesselman, the DOJ press release continues:

"The Department of Justice today announced that Paul Schlesselman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of threatening to kill and inflict bodily harm upon a presidential candidate, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Schlesselman faces a sentence of 10 years under the plea agreement. A sentencing date of April 15, 2010, was set by Judge J. Daniel Breen, who is presiding over the case in Jackson, Tenn."

"Schlesselman admitted that beginning on or about Sept. 1, 2008, and continuing until Oct. 22, 2008, he conspired to transport firearms and ammunition in interstate commerce, steal firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and transport in interstate commerce a short-barreled shotgun, all for the purpose of committing murders, robberies and burglaries."

"Schlesselman further acknowledged that on Oct. 20, 2008, he unlawfully transported an unregistered short barreled shotgun and a .357 magnum caliber handgun across state lines for the purpose of committing felonies, including racially targeted murders."

"Schlesselman also admitted that on Oct. 23, 2008, he threatened to kill and inflict bodily harm on President Barack Obama, who was a presidential candidate at the time."

The Memphis Commercial Appeal also reports on this story "'Skinhead' pleads guilty to conspiring to kill black people, threatening Obama," stating that ""He was arrested on Oct. 22, 2008, with Daniel Cowart of Bells, Tenn. Authorities said the two men, who espouse “skinhead” and “white power” philosophies, were planning a cross-country killing spree when they were picked up in Crockett County, Tenn., where Cowart lived with his grandparents.... Cowart, who is 21, remains in custody pending a hearing Feb. 22.'"

Paul Schlesselman's co-conspirator Daniel Cowart has been linked to the Nazi organization "Supreme White Alliance (SWA), and has been photographed at an "Adolf Hitler Birthday Party" with SWA members; Cowart has also been listed as a member of the Stormfront Nazi organization, according to CBS News.

: Daniel Cowart - CBS News reports he was a member of Stormfront

In October 2008, CBS reported that "federal investigators announced the arrests of 20-year-old Daniel Cowart of Bells, Tenn., and 18-year-old Paul Schlesselman of West Helena, Ark., who were driving around in a car painted with swastikas and other white supremacist slogans while in possession of five stolen guns." CBS also reported that "On his MySpace page, Schlesselman lists his occupation as 'being racist' and writes 'I'm white. I'm proud. I get angry. I like guns. I like weapons. I need money wiggers... be afraid.' 'Wiggers' is a derogatory slang term used to describe a white person who emulates stereotypical mannerisms of African-Americans. He also posted a homemade video on MySpace in which he appears to be mocking 'wiggers' and African-Americans." "He last logged onto his MySpace page on October 20 the same day, investigators say, Cowart traveled from Tennessee to Arkansas to meet with him and begin the alleged killing spree. On that day, Schlesselman listed his mood as 'creative.' " "Schlesselman also lists his cell phone number on his MySpace page. CBS News called the number. His voicemail first plays what sounds like a racist country song. Then, Schlesselman leaves a disturbing rant filled with profanities and racial slurs against African-Americans. He ends the message saying 'white power.' "