Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist working in New York, was arrested on Thursday, July 28. He was allegedly carrying an AK-47 weapon.

According to Fox News, police stopped 23-year-old Khalid Mehdiyev in his car after running a stop sign and later found the assault rifle in it.

The authorities say that Khalid Mehdiyev is a representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which considers Masih Alinejad a dissident because he has complained of harassment by the Iranian government. He stirred up a lot of controversy with his journalism and activism.

The relationship between Khalid Mehdiyev and Masih Alinejad has yet to be confirmed by New York officials, but they believe the 23-year-old was staking out the journalist’s home.

Why is Khalid Mehdiyev accused of attacking Masih Alinejad?

According to the New York Post, investigators say that on Wednesday and Thursday, Khalid Mehdiyev was seen near Masih Alinejad’s residence in Brooklyn. He is accused of guarding for a considerable amount of time and even having meals delivered to his car. He was allegedly captured on Alinejad’s home security cameras pacing the front door and looking out the windows.

Mehdiyev eventually became the subject of an arrest after violating a minor traffic law by going through a stop sign. Federal authorities charged him with possession of money, an AK-47 and 66 rounds of ammunition. The suspect stated that he was looking for a new residence near Flatbush, where Alinejad lives, as a resident of Yonkers.

Mehdiyev is currently facing a charge of having a firearm in his possession. Investigations continue into allegations that he kept watch on Alinejad’s home while she was away.

Everything you need to know about Masih Alinejad

Alinejad became known for opposing Iranian legislation that requires all women to cover their heads when they are not at home. She spearheaded numerous efforts to help Iranian women, garnering much support from activists across the country.

Alinejad left Iran in 2009 fearing the regime would persecute her, but claims of harassment persisted. Three members of Alinejad’s family were reportedly detained by Iranian officials in September 2019, according to Amnesty International. This was supposedly done to her as revenge for her efforts.

Four Iranian intelligence officials were arrested in the US, UK and Canada in July 2021, according to the US Justice Department, which said they were suspected of plotting to kidnap a government opponent . According to Alinejad, the plot revolved around her, the BBC claimed.