Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump addresses supporters during his rally for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, in Palm Beach County Convention Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid/File Photo
U.S. Charges Iranian National in Alleged Assassination Plot Against Donald Trump
Justice Department Reveals Alleged Assassination Plan by IRGC-Linked Operative
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday that it has charged Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian national, in connection with an alleged plot orchestrated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump. According to the department, Shakeri, a 51-year-old described as an IRGC asset based in Tehran, informed law enforcement that he was tasked on October 7, 2024, with developing a plan to kill Trump. However, he allegedly expressed no intention to comply within the IRGC’s proposed timeline.
Background and Criminal History of Farhad Shakeri
Prosecutors indicated that Shakeri had previously immigrated to the U.S. as a child but was deported around 2008 after a robbery conviction. He remains at large and is believed to be residing in Iran.
Additional Charges Against New York Associates
Two New York residents, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, whom Shakeri reportedly met in prison, also face charges related to their alleged assistance in plotting the murder of a U.S. citizen of Iranian origin based in New York. The target, identified as a vocal critic of the Iranian government, is believed to be Masih Alinejad, a journalist and activist who has been a public opponent of Iran’s policies regarding women’s rights. Alinejad was previously targeted in a 2021 kidnapping plot, and in 2022, a man was arrested outside her home with a rifle.
Legal Proceedings and Representation
Rivera and Loadholt are currently in custody awaiting trial. Their legal representatives have not yet provided public comments on the case.
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