Three individuals face charges in an alleged assassination plot linked to Iran, targeting President-elect Donald Trump, an Iranian-American activist, and two Jewish Americans in New York, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday.
The Suspects: Shakeri, Rivera, and Loadholt
Farhad Shakeri, Carlisle Rivera, and Jonathan Loadholt are charged with murder-for-hire. Rivera and Loadholt have been arrested, while Shakeri, described by the FBI as an “asset” of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is reportedly in Tehran. According to the complaint, Shakeri was instructed by the IRGC to target Trump in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force.
IRGC’s Orders and Assassination Plots
The IRGC allegedly directed Shakeri to surveil and plan Trump’s assassination. The IRGC is also accused of assigning him to target other U.S. and Israeli citizens, including two Jewish Americans residing in New York, offering $500,000 for either of these killings. Shakeri, previously deported after a prison sentence, allegedly met Rivera and Loadholt during incarceration and later recruited them for these plots.
Statements from U.S. Officials
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the seriousness of Iran’s threat to U.S. national security, stating that the Justice Department charged Shakeri for his role in furthering Iran’s assassination plans. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams reinforced the message, asserting that the U.S. would be relentless in its efforts to pursue those who endanger national security.
Ongoing Investigation and Global Concerns
In addition to targeting individuals in the U.S., Shakeri was reportedly assigned to surveil Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. The case highlights ongoing threats from state-directed actors, with officials reiterating their commitment to protect U.S. and allied citizens from such schemes.
