Pakistani National Linked to Iran Charged in Foiled Assassination Plot, Potentially Targeting Trump, DOJ Says

A Pakistani man with connections to the Iranian government has been accused of plotting political assassinations in the United States. This case emerged weeks before a gunman attempted to kill former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

Asif Merchant, 46, is accused of trying to kill a political figure in the United States. (Justice Department)

Asif Merchant, 46, travelled to New York City to collaborate with a hitman to execute the assassinations between late August and early September, according to federal prosecutors. The plot reportedly targeted high-ranking U.S. officials, with Trump among the potential targets.

“Merchant was working on behalf of foreign entities to orchestrate the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution highlights our Office’s and the Department of Justice’s commitment to promptly addressing threats to our national security and protecting government officials and citizens from foreign dangers.”

Merchant was apprehended on July 12 as he prepared to leave the U.S. He revealed to investigators that he has family in both Iran and Pakistan.

“Fortunately, the individuals Merchant allegedly sought to hire were undercover FBI agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case highlights the extensive efforts of our agents, analysts, and prosecutors across multiple locations. Their success in thwarting this plot prevented a potential tragedy and reaffirmed the FBI’s dedication to safeguarding our nation from domestic and international threats.”

An image of Asif Merchant, 46, was taken during a meeting with a source. (DOJ)

Federal sources confirmed that Merchant’s alleged plot is unrelated to the shooting incident involving Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that the Merchant’s targets included individuals from various backgrounds, not just Trump.

Merchant arrived in New York City from Texas in April with the intent to hire a hitman for the assassinations, prosecutors stated. He contacted someone he believed could assist him, but the individual instead contacted the FBI and became a confidential source. Merchant allegedly told the source that his intended targets were those “hurting Pakistan and the Muslim world” and requested 25 men to stage protests as a distraction and a woman for “reconnaissance.”

Merchant met with the source multiple times, outlining his plan, which included stealing documents or USB drives from one victim’s residence, organizing protests at political events, and carrying out the assassinations. During one meeting, Merchant reportedly made a “finger gun” gesture to emphasize the seriousness of the task.

Merchant also used coded language to describe his plans: “tee-shirt” referred to protests, “flannel shirt” to stealing, and “fleece jacket” to the assassinations.

Sola Adeniji

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