Iran’s plot to kill Trump: What we know about the FBI investigation and Iranian plan to destabilize the US

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced that it will file charges against a group of individuals accused of attempting to carry out a murder-for-hire plot against Donald Trump. The DoJ stated that the FBI was able to thwart this plan and alleges that the Iranian regime supported the effort as a means to interfere with the U.S. election.

Charges have been filed against three individuals: Farhad Shakeri, 51; Carlisle Rivera, 49; and Jonathon Loadholt, 36. Rivera and Loadholt were arrested in New York City, while Shakeri remains at large and is believed to be residing in Iran. The evidence of the case has yet to be revealed, but more details may come to light as the trial unfolds.

AG Garland announces the charges

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland held a press conference to inform the public about the situation. “The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked with directing a network of criminal associates to further Iran’s assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump,” said Attorney General Garland. He warned that the Iranian regime’s attempts to interfere in the election and harm U.S. citizens would not be tolerated.

‘‘We will not stand for the Iranian regime’s attempts to endanger the American people and America’s national security.”

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland

The DoJ also provided some details on Shakeri who is believed to live in Tehran.  However, that was not always the case, he ‘’immigrated to the United States as a child and was deported in or about 2008 after serving 14 years in prison for a robbery conviction.’’ However, law enforcement accuses him of using connections be made when he was involved in criminal activity ‘’to supply the IRGC with operatives to conduct surveillance and assassinations of IRGC targets.’’