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Asif Raza Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani national, was charged on Tuesday in connection with a foiled plot to assassinate a politician or US government officials on American soil.
The complaint against Asif Merchant unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, revealed a murder-for-hire charge as part of the scheme. Law enforcement intervened before any attack could be carried out.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland disclosed the charges against Asif Raza Merchant, hinting at former President Trump as the potential target due to his order to kill Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
The court documents suggest multiple potential victims. FBI Chief Christopher Wray stated that the plot was orchestrated by Asif Merchant, who has strong ties to Iran and reflects Iranian tactics.
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Who is Asif Raza Merchant?
- A 46-year-old Pakistani national.
- Plot Details According to Court Documents:
- Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or US government officials on US soil.
- Arrived in the US from Pakistan in April 2024 after spending time in Iran.
- Contacted a person he believed could assist with the scheme; this person reported him to law enforcement and became a confidential source.
- Interactions and Planning:
- In early June, Merchant met with the confidential source in New York and explained his ongoing assassination plot.
- Indicated the plot involved multiple criminal schemes, including stealing documents, planning protests, and killing officials.
- Used a “finger gun” motion to signify the assassination plan.
- Further Instructions:
- Directed the individual to arrange meetings with others to hire for the actions.
- Planned various assassination scenarios and asked the individual how they would kill a target.
- Communications and Instructions:
- Assured that the assassination would occur after he left the US and would communicate using code words.
- Confirmed with the unidentified “party” back home to finalize the plan and leave the US.
- Meetings with Undercover Officers:
- In mid-June, met with purported hitmen (undercover US law enforcement officers) in New York.
- Discussed services: theft of documents, arranging protests, and killing a political figure.
- Agreed on timing for instructions and advance payment for the assassination.
- Payment and Arrest:
- Arranged to obtain $5,000 in cash for the undercover officers.
- On June 21, paid the $5,000 advance to the undercover officers in New York.
- Planned to leave the US on July 12, but was arrested by law enforcement agents before departure.
White House refutes Asif Merchant’s involvement
The White House has refuted recent reports from the media suggesting that the apprehended individual, Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national, was part of a scheme aimed at assassinating former president Donald Trump.
During a briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the matter, underscoring that the Department of Justice’s current investigation has uncovered no substantive evidence connecting the individual accused in the indictment to the assassination attempt.
“This matter is being managed by the Department of Justice, and any further details should be communicated to them accordingly,” she expressed.
Jean-Pierre further emphasized the administration’s vigilance regarding threats faced by former U.S. politicians, especially those originating from Iran. “We have been closely monitoring threats to former politicians, in part motivated by Iran’s quest for retribution for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani,” she mentioned.
The White House views these threats as of paramount concern to national and homeland security. “We have conducted numerous high-level meetings within our government to strategize and enact a robust response,” Jean-Pierre pointed out, showcasing the commitment to counteract those involved in these threats, bolster security measures for potential targets, and collaborate with international allies.
