/ Source: The Associated Press
A North Carolina man was indicted Friday on a charge that he threatened to shoot Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
U.S. Attorney Gretchen Shappert said 48-year-old Jerry M. Blanchard has been charged with knowingly and willfully threatening to kill, kidnap and inflict bodily harm upon a major candidate for president.
Blanchard was arrested Aug. 1 after witnesses told federal authorities they overheard him threatening to assassinate Obama in July. One said Blanchard said he planned to purchase a pistol.
According to a federal affidavit, there was no proof Blanchard tried to carry out the threats.
Blanchard has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. A message seeking comment was left with his lawyer.
