The Justice Department has made a startling announcement regarding an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump. This news follows a series of high-profile threats against US citizens, including Iranian dissidents.
The Allegations
On 8 November 2024, US prosecutors revealed charges against Farhad Shakeri, a 51-year-old Afghan national believed to be in Iran. Shakeri is alleged to have been tasked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to develop a plan to kill Trump. According to authorities, this assassination plot is reportedly an act of vengeance for the death of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike under Trump’s orders in 2020.
Connected Charges
Shakeri was allegedly working with two other men, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, both New Yorkers, who were charged separately for plotting to assassinate a US citizen of Iranian origin. While the target was not explicitly named, it aligns with dissident journalist Masih Alinejad, known for her critiques of the Iranian regime.
- Shakeri is described as an IRGC asset residing in Tehran.
- He immigrated to the US as a child but was deported after a robbery conviction.
- Rivera and Loadholt have been detained and are awaiting trial.
Details of the Plot
According to the criminal complaint, Shakeri disclosed his plot during conversations with FBI agents, hoping to gain a sentence reduction for another imprisoned associate. He reportedly stated that he was approached by an IRGC official on 7 October about orchestrating Trump’s assassination.
Shakeri told the official that time constraints posed a challenge, expressing his reluctance to create a suitable plan within the specified timeframe. The IRGC responded, indicating that money was no object.
Ongoing Threats
This incident raises alarms about Iran’s persistent efforts to target US interests abroad. FBI Director Christopher Wray noted the seriousness of these threats against US citizens, including Trump himself, who has survived multiple assassination attempts during his campaign.
Previously, the US has accused Iran of various plots against officials in retaliation for actions taken by the Trump administration. Tehran has consistently denied these allegations, further complicating international relations.