Two men have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate an Iranian activist and a former U.S. President, with connections to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Carlisle 'Pop' Rivera and his associate Jonathon Loadholt were implicated in a high-stakes assassination conspiracy, funded by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, Mail Online reported.

Carlisle Rivera, a pipe fitter and convicted murderer from Staten Island, has been arrested on conspiracy charges. Rivera was involved in plans to murder Iranian activist Masih Alinejad, following directives from the Iranian government.

His accomplice, Jonathon Loadholt, also played a crucial role in the surveillance and planned assassination, which proved challenging to execute. Neighbors reported that Rivera had moved out three months prior to his arrest, indicating a possible preparation phase for the plot.

Further investigation revealed Rivera's link to Farjad Shakeri, who also targeted former President Donald Trump. Shakeri, deported to Afghanistan in 2008, has connections to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Detailed Planning Revealed In Investigation

Rivera and Loadholt were initially paid $100,000 to monitor Alinejad at public speaking events and her home. However, executing their plan proved difficult without attracting attention.

Shakeri provided guidance on how to conduct the assassination discreetly, focusing on patience and timing rather than forced entry, which they deemed a "suicide move."

The FBI, after multiple interviews with Shakeri, uncovered the deeper layers of the plot, including the shift of focus towards targeting Trump. Text messages and voice notes between the conspirators detailed their frustrations and operational challenges.

Frustrations and Challenges Within the Plot

According to intercepted communications, Rivera expressed significant frustration over the logistical and financial aspects of the plan. "This bitch is hard to catch, bro. And because she hard to catch, there ain't gonna be no simple pull up, unless there the luck of the draw," Rivera lamented in one message.

"You just gotta have patience and don't, kicking, kick in the door is not an option because that's a fail, that's a fail maneuver. You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it. Don't think about going in. In is a suicide move," he advised in another.

His frustration was mirrored by Loadholt who voiced his own despair, "I'm so frustrated son I'm like ready to jump out the window," highlighting the pressure they were under.

Shift To A New Target: Donald Trump

By late September, the directives from the IRGC shifted towards a new high-profile target, former President Donald Trump. This change came as the initial plan to assassinate Alinejad floundered under logistical difficulties.

The planned method for Alinejad's assassination involved a potential drive-by shooting, which required detailed planning and discretion to avoid detection. The conspirators were under increasing pressure to deliver results while managing limited resources.

Rivera, emphasizing the need for resources for such high-risk operations, said, "You sent me thirty-one fifty, right? That pays for some tools and fuels, right? Tools and fuels that's being, the slammer, mostly, the slammer. Um, toll bridge fee, going back and forth. Putting gas in the car. Renting the car. Look, the car ain't mine bromie, that s**t is being rented. It's funded by the thirty-one fifty."

Authorities Respond To Foiled Assassination Plots

The arrests of Rivera and Loadholt reveal Iran's Revolutionary Guard’s plans to target activists and political figures in the U.S., raising serious national security concerns.

This case underscores ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and highlights the need for vigilant protection of regime critics.