‘Assassin with loaded AK47’ faces federal charges for surveilling home of Iranian-American journalist

FBI intervenes for a second time since last summer in case involving Brooklyn-based writer and activist Masih Alinejad

A man who had a high-powered rifle outside the home of an Iranian-American journalist and activist targeted by an Iranian kidnapping plot last year is now facing federal charges, according to authorities.

The arrest of Khalid Mehdiyev on Thursday marks the second time since last summer that the FBI has intervened in a case involving Brooklyn-based writer Masih Alinejad, who among other things has campaigned against the compulsory use of hijab head coverings for Iranian women.