Iranian Man Charged in Alleged Plot to Assassinate President-elect Trump
The U.S. Department of Justice announced charges on Friday against an Iranian man, Farhad Shakeri, in connection with an alleged plot ordered by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump. According to the DOJ, Shakeri informed law enforcement he was directed by the IRGC on October 7, 2024, to create a plan to kill Trump, though he stated he did not intend to carry out the task within the timeframe provided.
Iranian Official Dismisses Charges as “Plot”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, labeled the accusations as a “repulsive” scheme orchestrated by Israel and exiled Iranian opposition groups aiming to destabilize U.S.-Iran relations. His statement was widely shared by Iranian media on Saturday.
DOJ Details Shakeri’s Background
The DOJ identified Shakeri, 51, as affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and residing in Tehran. Previously, Shakeri had immigrated to the United States as a child but was deported around 2008 after a robbery conviction. U.S. officials believe he remains at large in Iran.
Co-Defendants Linked to Separate Plot Against U.S.-Based Critic
Two New York residents, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, who allegedly knew Shakeri from prison, were also charged. The DOJ claims the two assisted Shakeri in planning to assassinate an outspoken Iranian government critic based in New York. While prosecutors did not name the target, the details align with Masih Alinejad, a journalist and activist known for criticizing Iran’s laws regarding women’s dress. Alinejad has been previously targeted in kidnapping and murder plots, including incidents in 2021 and 2022.
Rivera and Loadholt remain in custody pending trial, with no comments from their legal representatives at this time. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the risks facing critics of Iran’s government living abroad.
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