Asif Raza Merchant, a Pakistani national believed to have connections with Iran, has been indicted by U.S. federal authorities in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate American government officials, among them former President Donald Trump.
Merchant’s scheme, reportedly a retaliatory act for the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, was thwarted by FBI agents working undercover as contract killers.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland pointed out that, “For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani.”
While court documents do not name the specific targets, they suggest that Merchant intended to finalize his list later in the summer. Sources have disclosed that former President Trump was most likely among the individuals targeted.
Merchant, aged 46, came to the United States from Pakistan in April 2024, following a two-week stay in Iran. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York has revealed that Merchant was attempting to employ contract killers to execute the assassinations.
The FBI was alerted to Merchant’s intentions when he reached out to a person he thought could aid in recruiting assassins. This person was, in fact, a confidential informant who promptly alerted law enforcement about Merchant’s plot.
Christopher Wray, FBI Director, described the scheme as “straight out of the Iranian playbook,” highlighting the continued threat from Iran’s attempts to retaliate against U.S. officials.
Merchant’s plot included more than just murder. He discussed various illicit actions, such as theft and staging protests as diversions. He used a “finger gun” gesture while explaining his plans, affirming the attacks would be “ongoing” as opposed to a single event. During his meetings with undercover agents, Merchant sketched potential assassination scenarios on napkins and questioned the agents about their execution methods.
The confidential informant who reported Merchant’s activities enabled the discovery of the plot. A covert operation was swiftly established, and Merchant met with undercover agents on multiple occasions, outlining his plans and making payments to ensure the plot’s progression. Merchant gave the agents, whom he believed to be hitmen, an advance of $5,000.
Merchant was arrested on July 12, 2024, as he was preparing to leave the United States. The timing of his arrest was crucial, as federal authorities believed the assassination could have happened as early as late August or early September. Court documents reveal that Merchant had collaborated with an unidentified party overseas, who instructed him to finalize the plans before leaving the U.S.
The indictment raised severe concerns about the safety of former President Trump and other U.S. officials. Following the uncovering of Merchant’s plot, the Secret Service increased Trump’s security detail. However, this plot is not linked to the separate assassination attempt on Trump by Thomas Crooks in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, which took place just one day after Merchant’s arrest.
Attorney General Garland stressed the Justice Department’s dedication to neutralizing such threats, stating, “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens.”
Additional information about Merchant’s family situation emerged during the investigation, adding complexity to the case. He has two wives and children in both Iran and Pakistan, suggesting deep connections to the region. His possession of a home in Tehran, Iran further accentuates the geopolitical ramifications of the plot.
