Assassination plot?

DENVER -- Federal investigators said Tuesday they believe a group of drug users who allegedly made racist threats against Barack Obama posed no danger to him despite being arrested with guns, bulletproof vests, walkie-talkies and methamphetamine.

"The law recognizes a difference between a true threat, one that can be carried out, and the reported racist rantings of a drug addict," U.S. Attorney Troy Eid said.

Three men, whom Eid dubbed "meth-heads," face drug and weapons charges but no charges for allegedly discussing ways to assassinate Obama, poised to become the first black major-party nominee for president. The men were allegedly high on methamphetamine when arrested here Sunday.

An affidavit filed in federal court indicated the probe into the threats originated with a woman who was with the men who were charged: Tharin Gartrell, 28; Shawn Robert Adolf, 33; and Nathan Johnson, 32. The woman told police the men slurred Obama and said he shouldn't live in the White House.

Gartrell allegedly told investigators about hearing Adolf, Johnson and Adolf's girlfriend talk about assassinating Obama and referencing a "shooting on grassy knoll."

Johnson, meanwhile, told investigators that Gartrell was present in Denver to assist Adolf in a plot against Obama.

"A bunch of methheads get together, we don't know why they do what they do. ... People do lots of stupid things on meth," Eid said. "If you're talking about a true threat, there has to be some evidence they're not just talking about it or thinking about it, especially in a drug-induced state."