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

Aug 6, 2024, 06:23 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 assassination plot. The plot potentially targeted former President Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, and other current and former U.S. government officials. Merchant is accused of traveling to New York City to hire hitmen to carry out the assassinations on U.S. soil. The case has prompted the U.S. government to increase security measures for Trump and other officials.