Federal prosecutors revealed a scheme on Friday involving operatives allegedly working for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to surveil and ultimately assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, as well as other individuals opposed to the Iranian regime. According to unsealed court records, Farhad Shakeri, reportedly directed by IRGC officials, was tasked with organizing an attack on Trump, initially aiming for September but prepared to delay until after the presidential election if necessary. Shakeri, believed to be in Iran, coordinated with U.S.-based associates, including Carlisle Rivera and Jonathon Loadholt, to carry out various assignments targeting Iranian dissidents on U.S. soil.
The investigation revealed that Rivera and Loadholt had been paid by Shakeri to conduct surveillance on an Iranian American journalist and activist, vocal in opposition to the Iranian government. Prosecutors say the pair monitored the activist at multiple events in Connecticut and New York and even discussed violent tactics to complete their mission. In an exchange recorded by investigators, Rivera expressed frustration with the difficulty of locating the target, while Shakeri cautioned him on avoiding risky, overt actions. FBI searches of Rivera and Loadholt’s accounts uncovered extensive weapons imagery.
Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned the IRGC’s alleged attempts to endanger Americans and compromise national security. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the gravity of these threats, citing the IRGC’s designation as a foreign terrorist organization and its role in targeting U.S. citizens.
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