Pakistani man charged in foiled assassination plot targeting Trump, others
The United States Justice Department has charged Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani national with ties to Iran, for his alleged involvement in a foiled assassination plot. While the indictment does not mention Donald Trump by name, CBS News citing sources said that he was one of the intended targets. Court documents unsealed on Tuesday reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suspects Merchant intended to execute the assassinations in New York City around late August or early September.
Arrest and detention of alleged conspirator
The court documents further disclosed his expressed intent to target those in the US whom he perceived as "hurting Pakistan and the world, [the] Muslim world," adding that "these are not just normal people." Merchant arrived in the US from Pakistan in April, having previously spent time in Iran. After arrival, he allegedly contacted someone who he believed could assist with the assassination plot. He allegedly made a "finger gun" motion with his hand while discussing his plans.
Assassination plot
He also told the unnamed person that the position would not be a "one-time opportunity" and contact services would be required on an ongoing basis. That unnamed contact later reported Merchant to the authorities. Merchant was arrested on July 12 as he was preparing to exit the US. His arrest followed a meeting with individuals he presumed were hitmen, who were in fact undercover law enforcement officers. Currently, Merchant is being held in federal custody and cooperating with authorities.
Investigation and cooperation with authorities
The FBI initiated the investigation into this international murder-for-hire plot weeks before a separate assassination attempt on Trump by a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania. Prosecutors allege that Merchant was seeking men for assassinations, a woman for "reconnaissance," and approximately 25 people to stage a protest as a distraction following the murder. However, Merchant's lawyer has refuted claims of his client cooperating with authorities, labeling them as "inaccurate" and "irresponsible."
Iran's response and merchant's lawyer's statement
Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, when questioned about the charges, stated that they had not received any reports from the US government. They also noted that the alleged modus operandi contradicts Iran's policy of legally prosecuting Soleimani's killer. Tehran has threatened Trump and his officials since 2020, when he ordered the drone strike assassination of Qassim Soleimani, the leader of Iran's Quds force, in Iraq.
