The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Farhad Shakeri, an Iranian national, with plotting to assassinate Donald Trump. Shakeri, 51, allegedly worked as an agent for Iran. He directed a network of criminals to execute Iran’s assassination plans against Trump and other U.S. leaders.
FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned Iran’s alleged attempts to target U.S. citizens. “The charges announced today expose Iran’s continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump,” Wray said. DOJ officials emphasized that Iran’s actions endanger Americans and national security.
The DOJ claims Shakeri also targeted a journalist critical of Iran. He allegedly recruited two associates for this purpose: Carlisle Rivera, 49, of Brooklyn, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of Staten Island. Both men were arrested and appeared in court. However, Shakeri remains at large and is likely in Iran. Attorney General Merrick Garland described Iran’s actions as a severe threat.
According to the DOJ, Shakeri used contacts he made in U.S. prisons to assist Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Shakeri immigrated to the U.S. as a child but was deported in 2008 after serving 14 years for robbery. The DOJ says his recent activities are part of Iran’s plan to avenge Qasem Soleimani, an IRGC commander killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020.
Separately, on July 13, gunfire disrupted a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Secret Service agents quickly escorted Trump offstage. The incident has raised concerns about security for Trump as the 2024 election approaches.
