Iran's gun for hire: New York man who plotted to kill Donald Trump is pictured for first time
SUMMARY
Carlisle "Pop" Rivera, a 49-year-old pipe fitter from Staten Island, has been arrested in connection with a foiled assassination plot orchestrated by Iran. Rivera, a convicted murderer, was allegedly hired by Iranian operative Farjad Shakeri to kill former President Donald Trump and Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad. The plot, which unfolded over several months, promised Rivera $100,000 for surveillance and eventual assassinations. Shakeri had been tasked by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to target Alinejad, but was later instructed to focus on Trump. Rivera, along with his associate Jonathon Loadholt, began working on the plot in February 2024, conducting surveillance on Alinejad at a speaking event. The plan ultimately fell apart after Shakeri cooperated with the FBI.
