The failed assassination attempt on exiled Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad in Brooklyn three years ago took a bizarre turn when the hitman, Khalid Mehdiyev, revealed in court that he was just a regular guy working at a pizza joint. Despite his attempts to appear as a professional assassin, his day job at Peppino’s Pizza may explain the series of errors he made during the botched hit.
During the trial against Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, Azerbaijan nationals accused of hiring Mehdiyev to kill Alinejad, the hitman admitted to his involvement in the plot. Alinejad, a vocal critic of the Iranian regime, has been a target for Iranian government agents since fleeing the country in 2009.
Mehdiyev’s testimony in court was brief and uncooperative, with him claiming amnesia about certain aspects of his life. Despite his reluctance to provide details, he admitted to trying to infiltrate Alinejad’s life by sending her text messages in an attempt to get close to her before the failed assassination attempt.
The hitman’s clumsy execution of the hit, including trying to break into Alinejad’s home, ordering food to his car while staking out the house, and running a stop sign while being followed by the police, led to his arrest outside her residence. Police found a loaded AK-47 and a ski mask in his car, confirming his intention to kill Alinejad.
Mehdiyev, who was paid $30,000 for the hit, decided to cooperate with the authorities after pleading guilty to attempted murder and gun charges. Amirov and Omarov, who allegedly received $500,000 from the Iranian government for the hit, pleaded not guilty to the charges and could face lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
Alinejad expressed gratitude to law enforcement for protecting her from the assassination attempt and standing up for free speech. She emphasized that free speech should never be punishable by death and highlighted the importance of upholding democratic values in the face of threats and violence.
The trial continues as prosecutors seek justice for the attempted murder of Alinejad and hold those responsible for the plot accountable for their actions.
