New York City man sentenced to 10 years in plot to kill Iranian American writer
A New York City man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a plot to kill Iranian American writer Masih Alinejad. Jonathan Loadholt was tasked by the Iranian government to surveil Alinejad, who has been an outspoken critic of the regime. The case highlights ongoing threats against dissidents and the lengths to which the Iranian government will go to silence opposition.
- ▪Jonathan Loadholt, 37, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges.
- ▪He was arrested by the FBI before he could carry out the assassination plot against Masih Alinejad.
- ▪Alinejad has been a vocal critic of the Iranian regime and has faced multiple threats to her life.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Local News New York City man sentenced to 10 years in plot to kill Iranian American writer May 27, 2026 / 7:40 PM EDT / AP Add CBS News on Google A former truck and bus driver charged in an assassination plot against an Iranian American writer who authorities said was targeted for death by the Iranian government was given a 10-year prison sentence on Wednesday by a federal judge.The judge, Lewis J. Liman, sentenced Jonathan Loadholt, 37, of Staten Island, in Manhattan federal court after he pleaded guilty to conspiracies to commit stalking and launder money in an attack plot that targeted Masih Alinejad in Brooklyn in 2024.James Barnacle, head of New York's FBI office, said in a release that Loadholt was tasked by the government of Iran to surveil Alinejad and eventually assassinate her,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CBS News — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from CBS News — Top
