Justice Department unveils international murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting U.S. and Iranian dissidents.
Assassination Plot Against President-Elect Trump
Federal authorities charged three men for their roles in a suspected Iran-backed assassination scheme. Farhad Shakeri, Carlisle Rivera, and Jonathan Loadholt allegedly planned to kill high-profile figures, including President-elect Donald Trump. According to the criminal complaint unsealed in New York, Shakeri operated as an asset for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Rivera and Loadholt are in custody, while Shakeri remains in Tehran.
The complaint alleges the IRGC tasked Shakeri with surveilling Trump as retaliation for the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani. The strike targeted Soleimani, a leader in the IRGC’s elite Quds Force. The assassination attempt on Trump was only one part of a wider IRGC operation targeting U.S. and Israeli citizens.
Targeting Activists and Jewish Citizens
Shakeri’s targets also included prominent Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad. Known for criticizing the Iranian government, Alinejad has faced multiple threats in recent years. In prison, Shakeri met Rivera and Loadholt, whom he hired to help target her. Surveillance efforts focused on Alinejad’s movements in Brooklyn.
The IRGC also directed Shakeri to monitor two Jewish-Americans in New York City and to target Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. IRGC officials offered him substantial funds to assassinate these individuals, showcasing their determination to eliminate perceived adversaries.
U.S. Government’s Strong Response
Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned Iran’s alleged plots as a grave national security threat. He emphasized the Justice Department’s determination to counter foreign-directed violence on American soil. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams also promised to hold those responsible for threatening Americans accountable. He condemned Iran’s targeting of U.S. citizens and assured a relentless pursuit of justice.
Expanding a Network of Criminal Contacts
The case reveals the reach of Iran’s alleged criminal network within the United States. Shakeri’s recruitment of Rivera and Loadholt, whom he met while imprisoned, shows how IRGC operatives leverage local connections. Shakeri’s handlers demonstrated willingness to cover any cost necessary for their objectives.
The charges illustrate the ongoing threat posed by international adversaries targeting Americans. The Justice Department’s decisive actions reflect a commitment to countering these threats and ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens against state-backed violence.
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