Pakistani National with Iran Ties Charged in Foiled Assassination Plot Targeting Trump

Aug 6, 2024, 07:16 PM

The U.S. Justice Department has charged Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani national with alleged ties to the Iranian government, in connection with a foiled murder-for-hire assassination plot targeting former President Donald Trump and other U.S. government officials. Merchant is accused of traveling to New York City to hire hitmen to carry out the assassinations. The FBI foiled the plot before any attack could be executed, and Merchant was arrested on July 12. The case has prompted the U.S. government to increase security measures for Trump and other officials.