Newly unsealed court documents reveal an elaborate assassination plot orchestrated by Iran, targeting U.S. figures—Donald Trump and journalist Masih Alinejad.
The Justice Department has charged multiple individuals involved in the foiled operation.
The Key Figures and Their Roles
The plot was allegedly led by Farjad Shakeri, 51, an Iranian operative who remains at large in Iran.
Tasked by Iranian intelligence to carry out the killings, Shakeri was also responsible for targeting Alinejad, a Brooklyn-based journalist and human rights activist.
Two other individuals, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, were arrested in New York City and are facing charges for their involvement in the conspiracy.
Alinejad: A Long-Time Target
Masih Alinejad has long been a vocal critic of the Iranian regime, particularly regarding its treatment of women.
As a result, she has been a high-priority target for Iran, which has issued a fatwa against her.
This latest plot marks the third known assassination attempt against her, following a 2021 kidnapping scheme and a 2022 stalking incident that involved an armed assailant.
How the Plot Unfolded
The scheme began in December when Shakeri enlisted a conspirator named “Feva” to track down Alinejad.
The plan progressed over the following months, with Rivera and Loadholt brought on to conduct surveillance during Alinejad’s speaking event at Fairfield University in February.
The surveillance continued, including monitoring Alinejad’s Brooklyn home.
Shakeri allegedly offered $100,000 to Rivera and Loadholt to carry out the assassination.
Tensions grew as the operation encountered multiple delays and the conspirators struggled with the logistics of the plan.
Frustrations surfaced in voice recordings from Rivera, who expressed dissatisfaction with the difficulty of the task and the increasing costs.
A Plot with Global Implications
Further details from the FBI’s investigation reveal the scope of Shakeri’s operations, which extended beyond Alinejad.
Shakeri was also instructed to surveil American and Israeli targets across the globe, including a plot targeting Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the plan to kill Trump was revived after the 2020 election, when it was believed that his lack of presidential security would make the assassination easier.
Shakeri’s involvement with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) was central to the operation.
Through his network, Shakeri facilitated criminal activities aimed at silencing critics of the Iranian regime.
The Arrests and Legal Fallout
The arrests of Rivera and Loadholt have shed light on the Iranian regime’s attempts to infiltrate U.S. soil and silence dissent.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have made it clear that such threats will not be tolerated.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the grave national security threat posed by Iran’s actions, stressing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
The exposure of this plot highlights Iran’s ongoing efforts to target both political dissidents and foreign leaders, marking a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between the U.S. and the Iranian regime.
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