Two men arrested in kidnapping plot targeting Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad living in Brooklyn

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The US Justice Department announced on Friday that it was bringing criminal charges against two men — Rafat Amirov and Polad Omirov — for allegedly targeting the Iranian dissident journalist Masih Alinejad for kidnapping. "The U.S. condemns the apparent attempt to harm leading Iranian activist and U.S. Citizen Masih Alinejad at her home in New York last week," White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said at the time of the initial incident. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the trio of men who have been arrested thus far — which includes the “hitman” send to Brooklyn with the rifle, who was arrested previously — were part of an assassination plot against the reporter. Mr Amirov, reportedly the leader of the operation, and Mr Omirov allegedly arranged to pay $30,000 to Khalid Mehdiyev, the alleged would-be assassin who stalked outside Ms Alinejad’s home in New York.