Afghan National Indicted in Assassination Plot Targeting Trump
The US Department of Justice has unsealed an indictment against Farhad Shakeri, a 51-year-old Afghan national, accused of involvement in an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump. Shakeri reportedly acted under orders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, instructed to provide surveillance and planning for a targeted attack on Trump before the recent election.
Plot Involves Multiple Targets Beyond Trump
The indictment details that Shakeri’s mission extended beyond Trump, including an American journalist and two Jewish-American businesspeople supportive of Israel on social media. Allegedly orchestrated by Iran, Shakeri’s efforts reportedly included directing two accomplices in New York, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathon Loadholt, to surveil and harm these additional targets.
Allegations of Murder-for-Hire and Money Laundering
According to prosecutors, Shakeri and his associates face charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering conspiracy, each carrying severe penalties. They reportedly received $100,000 for targeting the journalist, who has been a vocal critic of Iran’s human rights abuses. The journalist, though unnamed in court documents, later identified herself as Masih Alinejad on social media, detailing threats to her life.
Iran Dismisses Allegations as Baseless
Iranian officials have dismissed these accusations, calling them “completely baseless.” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei suggested such claims would complicate US-Iran relations further, referring to previous unproven allegations that were later abandoned.
Shakeri’s Alleged Plan Involved Delays
Prosecutors allege that Shakeri’s assignment initially required a plan within seven days, but he advised Iranian officials to wait until after the election, believing Trump would lose. The indictment claims that when Shakeri hesitated, Iranian officials postponed the plan, anticipating easier access to Trump post-election.
Other Assassination Plots Emerge
In addition to the American targets, Shakeri reportedly told US prosecutors of plans to orchestrate a mass shooting targeting Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka, further highlighting Iran’s alleged global campaign. This case underscores US concerns over assassination plots involving Iranian operatives, leading to broader security measures for high-profile American figures and critics of Iran.
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