Pakistani Man Faces Terrorism Charges for Plot to Assassinate US Officials
TL/DR –
A Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, who was arrested earlier this year for allegedly plotting to assassinate current and former U.S. government officials, now faces charges of terrorism. The 46-year-old with alleged ties to Iran is accused of attempting to kill a person within the United States who was either a member of the uniformed services or any official of the U.S. government. Although no targets were named in the original complaint or the new indictment, sources suggest President Biden, former President Donald Trump, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley were potential targets.
Pakistani Accused of Terror Plot Against U.S. Officials
A Pakistani man, arrested earlier for an alleged plot to assassinate U.S. officials, now faces terrorism charges, according to a federal court indictment. Asif Merchant, initially held on a murder-for-hire count, is accused of seeking recruits for his plot.
A fresh two-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York includes accusations of Merchant attempting a terrorism act. The 46-year-old, believed to have Iran links, allegedly targeted U.S. military or government officials.
Investigators claim Merchant, whose targets are yet unnamed, outlined assassination plans for current and former officials across political lines. Former President Donald Trump was among potential targets, according to sources.
Evidence received by Sen. Chuck Grassley (Iowa) indicated President Biden and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as possible targets. Charging documents revealed Merchant’s family ties and travel history in Iran, Syria, and Iraq.
Merchant also established a rapport with an FBI-informant in New York, revealing his plans. He allegedly sketched out his plot and discussed meeting with undercover agents posing as hitmen.
Merchant was arrested in July before his oversea trip, with investigators finding a note containing codewords for his plan. Despite pleading not guilty to the initial charge, he remains in custody and is yet to be arraigned on the updated charge. Intelligence about Merchant’s plot led to increased security measures for the ex-president, according to sources.
U.S. officials indicate that the threats from Iran on politicians and government officials date back to the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani during the Trump administration. “The Justice Department will not tolerate Iran’s efforts to target our country’s public officials and endanger our national security,” Attorney General Merrick Garland stated.
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