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New Charges Unveiled Against Iranian Plot to Assassinate Trump
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed new allegations concerning a foiled murder-for-hire scheme orchestrated by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting Donald Trump in the lead-up to the upcoming election, intensifying calls for action from the Biden administration.
A recently unsealed criminal complaint, filed in New York’s Southern District, indicates that in September, the IRGC directed an Iranian operative to conduct surveillance and devise a plan for Trump’s assassination prior to the November 5 elections.
Campaign officials confirmed that U.S. intelligence briefed Trump about these threats from Iran back in September.
Biden Administration Responds to Threats
Both President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged during an October interview with Fox News that any threats posed by Iran against Trump are considered a “top-tier” national security concern. They emphasized that any attempt by the IRGC to harm him would be met with military action deemed equivalent to “an act of war.”
The White House and State Department have yet to respond regarding specifics about this threat or their intended course of action.
The Role of IRGC and Historical Context
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is recognized as both a military force and counterintelligence agency, having been designated as a terrorist organization during Trump’s presidency.
This isn’t Trump’s first brush with danger; he has been targeted by the IRGC since January 2020 when he authorized a drone strike that resulted in Qassem Soleimani’s death, who was then commander of Iran’s Quds Force.
Persistent Threats During Campaign Season
This latest revelation follows two earlier assassination attempts on Trump while he campaigned for re-election this year: one at a rally in Pennsylvania last July and another while golfing at his Florida property in September.
The alarming details outlined in recent criminal filings have led Secret Service agents to enhance security measures around Trump’s campaign activities over recent months.
Future Security Measures Uncertain
It remains uncertain how or if Trump will further tighten security protocols at his residences leading up to his potential inauguration next year.
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Merrick Garland Addresses National Security Concerns
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated on Friday that few entities pose as significant a threat as Iran does regarding U.S. national security interests.
“We will not tolerate attempts by the Iranian regime that jeopardize American lives or our national safety,” he asserted.
Court Documents Reveal Details About Assassination Plot
The criminal complaint outlines how an unnamed official within the IRGC instructed Farhad Shakeri—an asset currently believed to be residing in Iran—to concentrate on surveilling and ultimately assassinating former President Donald J. Trump, referred to as ”Victim-4″ within legal documents.
Shakeri had previously immigrated as a child but was deported around 2008 after serving time for robbery charges.
Accordingly, Shakeri reported during discussions with an IRGC official on October 7, 2024, being tasked with presenting an assassination plan within seven days; otherwise, plans would be postponed until after Election Day due to expectations surrounding Trump’s electoral defeat making it easier for them post-election.
Additional Arrests Linked To The Case
Federal prosecutors have also charged Carlisle Rivera (49) from Brooklyn and Jonathon Loadholt (36) from Staten Island concerning their alleged roles related to another plot aimed at murdering an individual of Iranian descent residing in New York City.
< p >The Department of Justice declined further comment regarding these threats or ongoing investigations.
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