Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A Brooklyn man, Carlisle Rivera, also known as “Pop,” has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and conspiracy to stalk Masih Alinejad, a journalist and outspoken critic of the Iranian government. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, along with officials from the Department of Justice, FBI, and NYPD.
Rivera had previously pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit stalking before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who handed down the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “The Government of Iran, a sponsor of terrorism, assassination, and espionage around the globe, has engaged in a campaign of assassination plots in the United States and abroad targeting those who oppose the regime. The Government of Iran hired Rivera through an associate living in Iran to locate and murder Masih Alinejad in cold blood, right here in New York City. The Government of Iran has long sought to murder Ms. Alinejad, a U.S. citizen residing in New York City, because of her efforts to stand up to the Iranian regime and expose its discriminatory treatment of women, corruption, and human rights abuses. Today’s sentence should be a warning to anyone who would cast their lot with the brutal Iranian regime and seek to do their murderous bidding, especially on American soil: You will be stopped, you will be arrested, and you will be brought to justice.”
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg added: “Today’s sentence underscores the consequences of conspiring with a regime that relies on violence and intimidation to survive. The National Security Division will continue to work tirelessly with its partners to detect and protect against such plots and to hold accountable those who try to achieve the vile ends of the Iranian regime.”
FBI Assistant Director Donald Holstead said: “The Iranian government repeatedly targeted a journalist and human rights activist living in New York, but thanks to the good work of the FBI and our partners those efforts failed. Today's sentencing sends a strong message that anyone who conspires with foreign powers to harm people living in the United States will be held accountable.”
James C. Barnacle Jr., Assistant Director in Charge at FBI New York Field Office commented: “The Iranian government enlisted a convicted killer to stalk and murder an American journalist and activist, Masih Alinejad, in an effort to forever silence her vocal criticism of its regime. Carlisle Rivera served as a hired gun to facilitate the political assassination attempt ordered by an international adversary. May today’s lengthy sentence reflect the FBI’s unwavering stance against any domestic or foreign actor seeking to target our nation’s residents for nefarious agendas.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “The defendant in this case showed a pitiless, calculated disregard for human life—and today’s sentencing is the culmination of a coordinated, comprehensive effort to bring him and his co-conspirators to justice. The plot to murder Masih Alinejad, directed by the government of Iran and its terrorist proxy, is further proof that the work of our Joint Terrorism Task Force is as important and relevant as ever. I want to thank all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their work on this critical, wide-ranging case.”
According public filings related this case show that Rivera was recruited by Farhad Shakeri—an asset linked with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—to kill Ms. Alinejad after previous attempts by other operatives failed between 2020-2022.
Shakeri offered Rivera $100,000 for locating or killing Ms.Alinejad; Rivera then enlisted Jonathan Loadholt as an accomplice.They purchased firearms using funds sent from Shakeri,and attempted over several months during 2024 track Ms.Alinejad—including following her at events,taking surveillance photos,and stalking locations believed associated with her residence.Messages exchanged among conspirators documented these activities.Rivera referenced difficulty finding Ms.Alinejad,saying she was "hard catch"and discussed obtaining firearm he called "slammer."
Rivera was arrested November 7th 2024,before plan could be completed.Law enforcement recovered firearm at his residence.
In addition,to prison term,Rivera received three years supervised release.Loadholt pleaded guilty January 2026;sentencing scheduled April.Shakeri remains at large.
Officials praised investigative efforts led by FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force—which includes agents from both FBI,NYPD—and other agencies including Department Justice National Security Division,U.S.Customs Border Protection Drug Enforcement Administration,and New York State Police.The prosecution is being handled by National Security International Narcotics Unit within Southern District assisted DOJ Counterintelligence/Export Control Section.
