An “Iranian operative” has been charged in connection with an alleged plot by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to assassinate Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, who has already survived two previous assassination attempts. Trump, the Republican leader poised to begin his second term in the White House this January, sustained a gunshot wound to his ear during an attempt on his life in July.
The Justice Department has named Farhad Shakeri, 51, as an “Iranian asset” allegedly instructed by Iran’s regime on October 7 to orchestrate Trump’s assassination. Shakeri reportedly informed law enforcement that he had no intentions to formulate an assassination plan within the timeframe outlined by the IRGC. Iran has denied these charges.
“An asset of the Iranian regime has been charged by the Justice Department for coordinating with criminal associates in Iran’s assassination plots, including against President-elect Donald Trump,” announced Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
The IRGC is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the charges reveal Iran’s ongoing threats against U.S. citizens, including Trump and other leaders critical of the Iranian regime. “The IRGC has colluded with criminals and hitmen to target Americans on U.S. soil. Such actions will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
The statement also revealed Shakeri, originally an immigrant to the U.S., was deported around 2008 following a robbery conviction. Prosecutors believe Shakeri is now in Iran. Identified as an Afghan national in court records, Shakeri also faces charges of conspiring with two former prison acquaintances, New York residents Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, to assassinate a U.S. citizen of Iranian descent opposed to the Iranian government.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed the charges as “baseless.” Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denied any Iranian involvement in an alleged assassination attempt on past or present U.S. officials.
Security and Robotic Dogs
After surviving two assassination attempts, security for President-elect Trump has intensified, with robotic dogs now patrolling his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The first attempt, in July, left Trump with a wound in his ear after a rally in Pennsylvania, while the second attempt occurred in October at his Florida golf club, leaving him unharmed.
In his victory speech following his November 6 win, Trump referenced his survival, saying he was “spared by God for a purpose—to restore America’s greatness.” by NDTV
