Summary:
- Asif Merchant charged in the US for plotting to assassinate American officials.
- Allegedly linked to Iran, Merchant sought retaliation for General Soleimani’s killing.
- FBI suspects former President Trump and other officials were targets.
In a significant development, Pakistani national Asif Merchant has been charged in the United States for plotting to assassinate American officials. Merchant is accused of seeking to recruit people in the US to execute the plan.
The alleged plot was in retaliation for the US killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Merchant, 46, spent time in Iran before traveling to the US and was charged with murder for hire.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the Justice Department has been countering Iran’s efforts to retaliate against US officials. The criminal complaint alleges Merchant intended to target officials responsible for the drone strike on Soleimani.
FBI investigators believe former President Donald Trump and other current and former officials were potential targets. However, court documents do not name the specific targets.
Merchant was detained on July 16, according to court records. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment further, and Trump’s campaign was not immediately available for comment.
