US Files Charges Over Iranian Plot To Assassinate Donald Trump Before Election Day

Topline

Three people have been charged with being tasked by Iran to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump and others before Election Day, the Justice Department announced Friday, months after Trump—the target of two unrelated assassination attempts—claimed there were threats against his life coming from Iran.

Key Facts

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Crucial Quote

"There are few actors in the world that post as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran," Attorney General Merrick Garland said while announcing the charges.

What To Watch For

Shakeri was also charged with conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiracy to violate sanctions against Iran's government. He faces a maximum combined sentence of 100 years in prison if convicted on all charges, the DOJ said. Rivera and Loadholt face a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

Key Background

In a social media post in September, Trump claimed there were "big threats" against his life originating from Iran. His campaign announced he was briefed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on "real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him." Intelligence officials indicated that coordinated attacks against Trump had "heightened in the past few months," his campaign said . In July, Trump was targeted by a gunman during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight shots toward Trump before Crooks was shot dead by the Secret Service. The agency reportedly increased security around Trump that same month, after the Secret Service became aware of threats against Trump from Iran. Trump was the target of another assassination attempt at his West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course in September, though no shots were fired. Ryan Routh was detained by police shortly after fleeing the scene.

Further Reading Trump Claims 'Big Threats' To His Life From Iran After Being Briefed By Intelligence Officials