US citizen sentenced in Iranian murder-for-hire plot targeting dissident in New York

May 28, 2026

Jonathan Loadholt, a 37-year-old former truck driver, received a 10-year prison sentence for participating in an Iranian government-directed conspiracy to murder journalist Masih Alinejad at her Brooklyn residence. The assassination attempt, which was prevented by FBI intervention, represents the third known plot against Alinejad on American territory, with perpetrators being U.S. citizens motivated by financial compensation rather than ideology. Another conspirator, Carlisle Rivera, had previously received a 15-year sentence in January for his involvement in the same murder-for-hire scheme.

Who is affected

Masih Alinejad (Iranian-American activist and target of assassination plot)
Jonathan Loadholt (former truck driver sentenced to 10 years)
Carlisle Rivera (previously sentenced to 15 years for the same plot)
The Iranian government (directing the plot)
American citizens recruited as would-be assassins
FBI and US authorities (who foiled the plot)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The actions mentioned (sentencing, FBI foiling the plot, guilty plea) have already been completed.

Why it matters

This case demonstrates that foreign governments, specifically Iran, are attempting to carry out assassinations on American soil by recruiting U.S. citizens through financial incentives. It highlights the ongoing threat faced by dissidents and critics of authoritarian regimes even when they relocate to the United States, and shows that such threats are persistent and evolving despite law enforcement intervention.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC