State police, Secret Service probe threat on Obama's life

State police and the U.S. Secret Service are investigating a threat on the life of President Barack Obama, made early Wednesday afternoon outside Watertown.

There are few leads to follow, according to the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Jefferson County emergency dispatch received a 911 call about 12:30 p.m. from a person parked at the Salvation Army Family Store on outer Arsenal Street. The caller reported that a proposal was directed to him by a white man in a white truck, according to Investigator Randy S. Pound.

"I will pay you to go to Washington and shoot Obama," the stranger was quoted as saying. Undisclosed is whether the conversation went beyond that.

The man with the proposal then drove away, his identity unknown, Mr. Pound said. The Secret Service office in Syracuse was notified immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 782-2112.