Innocent pleas made by Obama plot suspects

MEMPHIS, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Two white supremacists accused of plotting to kill President-elect Barack Obama pleaded innocent Thursday to related charges in Tennessee, prosecutors say.

Federal prosecutors told CNN that Daniel Cowart, 20, and Paul Schlesselman, 18, both entered innocent pleas during their U.S magistrate court arraignment in Memphis.

The two self-described white supremacists stand accused of plotting the assassination of Obama prior to Tuesday's national election, in which the Illinois politician was tabbed as the next U.S. president.

Prosecutors in the pair's case have alleged the two men had planned on trying to kill the U.S. senator following a killing-spree that would have targeted other black individuals.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal said the two suspects initially met online nearly a month ago and their discussions allegedly soon involved the multistate homicide plot.

The pair was arrested in Crockett County, Tenn., last week after their alleged plot was uncovered and now each man faces up to 50 years in prison on charges ranging from conspiracy to rob a federally licensed gun dealer to threatening a presidential candidate.