Oregon man pleads guilty to threatening Obama

PORTLAND, Ore. - A Portland, Ore., man accused of threatening to kill President Obama has pleaded guilty.

Darryl James Swanson told U.S. District Judge Anna Brown on Thursday that he was "in a terrible mental state" when he made the threats last year.

The Oregonian reports (http://is.gd/VwFUUC) Swanson pleaded guilty to one count of threatening the president. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Prosecutors say the 46-year-old made multiple phone calls to government officials and news organizations.

According to court records, Swanson called the Seattle bureau of The Associated Press on May 2, 2011, and said he might have to get a machine gun "and blast (his) way into the White House, leaving the president and the first lady in caskets full of blood."

Swanson acknowledged he is being treated for mental illness.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 12.

Upcoming Events