DOJ charges IRGC official in alleged plot to assassinate American journalist

The big picture: Ruhollah Bazghandi and three other men, were indicted for allegedly plotting to kill an American journalist in New York City over their criticism of the Iranian regime, the Justice Department announced in a press release.

• The indictment did not name the activist but Alinejad confirmed to the Associated Press that she was the plot's target.
• Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that three of the four defendants were in U.S. custody.
• Bazghandi, the brigadier general in the IRGC, is not in U.S. custody, per AP.

What they're saying: "We will not tolerate efforts by an authoritarian regime like Iran to undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed to every American," Garland said.

• FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement: "The FBI's investigation led to the disruption of this plot as one of the conspirators was allegedly on their way to murder the victim in New York."

Zoom out: The case has previously yielded charges against an Eastern European crime group.

• Alinejad was allegedly the target of an Iranian kidnapping plot in 2021.

Go deeper: Jake Sullivan vows U.S. will protect activist from Iran threats