Defense Secretary Says Trump Assassination Attempt Plot Leader Killed, Iran Rejects Claim

Hegseth says the 'leader of the unit' behind the 2024 attempt was killed in US airstrikes, but Iran denies the claim.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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According to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Iranian leader allegedly behind the 2024 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has been killed in US airstrikes. However, Iran has rejected Hegseth's claim. The identity of the individual killed was not officially disclosed, but reports suggest it may have been Farhad Shakeri, an IRGC asset who was previously involved in a plot to kill Trump.

Why it matters

The reported killing of the alleged mastermind behind the 2024 Trump assassination attempt is a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. It highlights the high stakes and potential for escalation in the conflict between the two countries, which has been spreading across the Middle East.

The details

Hegseth stated that the 'leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump' was killed in the US airstrikes, but did not provide the individual's identity. Reports suggest the person killed may have been Farhad Shakeri, an IRGC asset who was previously deported from the US in 2008 after serving a 14-year robbery sentence. Shakeri was later involved in other crimes and admitted to being tasked with killing Trump during the 2024 assassination attempt, though he claimed he did not intend to carry out the plan.

  • The 2024 Trump assassination attempt occurred when Trump was president-elect.
  • The US airstrikes that allegedly killed the plot's leader took place on March 4, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The US Defense Secretary who announced the killing of the alleged leader behind the 2024 Trump assassination attempt.

Farhad Shakeri

An IRGC asset who was previously deported from the US in 2008 and was allegedly involved in the 2024 plot to assassinate Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“Iran tried to kill President Trump and President Trump got the last laugh.”

— Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary (The Hill)

“That was not the focus of the effort by any stretch of the imagination, in fact, never raised by the president or anybody else, I ensured, and others ensured that those who were responsible for that were eventually part of the target list.”

— Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary (The Hill)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.