In recent news, a series of attempted assassinations linked to Iran has been exposed, all of which include some very high-profile names as potential targets. Among those targeted was none other than former President Donald J. Trump, showcasing once again the international importance and influence he commands. The exposure and prevention of these plots is further evidence of our great nation’s strong security forces and their commitment to protecting our leaders, irrespective of their standing in the political arena.
The accused in these alleged murder plots include Farhad Shakeri, Carlisle Rivera, and Jonathan Loadholt. All three individuals face severe murder-for-hire charges, as per the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. The swift apprehension of Rivera and Loadholt underlines the efficiency of our security agencies, while Shakeri is currently believed to be in Tehran.
Interestingly, Farhad Shakeri is not just any regular perpetrator. The FBI has identified him as an ‘asset’ of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His purported function in this scenario was to spearhead and execute the surveillance and planned assassination of Donald Trump. It is worth noting, however, that every attempt to harm our former President was repeatedly thwarted, reaffirming the insurmountable power of our intelligence agencies.
The motivation behind these acts seems rather unsurprising. The assassination plots were allegedly conceived to retaliate against the loss of Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020, an operation which, demonstrating Trump’s resolute stand against global terrorism, received widespread acclaim and support.
It’s no secret that Iran poses a significant threat to U.S. national security. The Justice Department’s indictment of Farhad Shakeri and his associates serves as a reminder of this threat. However, optimistically, it also illustrates the United States’ relentless effort to bring such dangerous agents to justice.
Shakeri has a dark past in the U.S. He was deported back in 2008 after serving prison time for a robbery conviction. It is during his imprisonment that he allegedly met with Rivera and Loadholt. These contacts laid the groundwork for their later association, with Shakeri reportedly hiring Rivera and Loadholt to target an Iranian-American activist residing in Brooklyn.
The IRGC had allegedly directed Shakeri to execute a series of assassinations in the United States, targeting U.S. and Israeli citizens. Alongside former President Trump, the list of conspireed victims was alarming in its audacity and scope. It once again brings into focus the extraordinary lengths our enemies will go to harm us, and their misplaced belief that they can succeed against our robust defense mechanisms.
Furthermore, reports suggest the length and breadth of Shakeri’s nefarious planning was staggering. The audacious nature of their planning only serves to amplify the heroism of the agencies who constantly work to keep such threats at bay. His instructions even redirected his efforts towards former President Trump, highlighting again the tremendous significance Trump held and continues to hold on the world stage.
It seems that no expense was spared in this scheme. Even when Shakeri voiced concerns about the costs involved in the operation, his handler’s response was deemed as ‘the money’s not an issue.’ So, it’s quite evident that these networks are substantially funded, only further underscoring the need for persistent vigilance on our part.
Between September and October, the plans to assassinate then-Presidential candidate Trump underwent a critical review. Shakeri was asked to deliver a plan within a week, but if that wasn’t achievable, the plot would be put on hold until the post-election period. Predictably, their flawed assumption that Trump would lose the election and become more vulnerable saw their plans flop disastrously.
Beyond the borders, Shakeri’s task was not restrained. New targets included two Jewish-American citizens living in New York City, with the offer of a healthy reward from an IRGC official. Again, the incredibly brave and efficient workings of our security agencies put a halt to these despicable plans even before they could materialise.
The tentacles of these plots reached far beyond our shores and targeted Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka as well. Such acts further demonstrate the global reach and network of these malicious actors. Fortunately, with the United States’ dedication to justice and security, no plot is beyond our radar.
The Iranian Government’s consistent effort to threaten and harm American citizens, including former President Trump both domestically and globally, has no place in today’s world. The United States remains steadfast in its resolve to thwart these threats. We will stay relentless in our pursuit of security and justice, ensuring the safety of our citizens and leaders, including influential figures like Trump. The ongoing vigilance of our intelligence community and security forces sends a clear message: Our safety and security are not a bargaining chip and shall remain uncompromised.