Man Accused of Murder-for-Hire Plot Hit With Terrorism Charge

A man with alleged ties to Iran was charged last month in an alleged murder-for-hire plot against U.S. officials, potentially including former President Donald Trump. Now, he has reportedly been hit with a new charge accusing him of terrorism.

At a Glance

Asif Merchant, 46, is facing a new terrorism charge over a month after being charged in an alleged plot against U.S. officials
FBI Director Christopher Wray previously linked the alleged plot to Iran.
Merchant is accused of paying $5,000 to an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman.
Potential targets reportedly included Trump, Biden, and Nikki Haley.
An arrest was made the day before what is believed to be an unrelated assassination attempt on Trump.

Terrorism Charge Unveiled

In a development that underscores the persistent threats facing American politicians, federal authorities have charged Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani national, with terrorism. According to reports, the charge was revealed in a two-count indictment unveiled Tuesday, which included both the terrorism charge and murder-for-hire.

The new charge comes about a month after he was initially accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against U.S. government officials. The case has sent ripples through the national security community, particularly due to the alleged involvement of Iran and the potential targeting of high-profile figures including former President Donald Trump.

The FBI initiated a sting operation after receiving information about Merchant’s activities in April. According to court documents, Merchant traveled to Texas after spending time in Iran and contacted individuals he believed could assist with his criminal scheme. In June, he allegedly met with a confidential FBI source and outlined his goals, which included document theft, protest planning, and the assassination of a politician or government official.

Pakistani man who allegedly targeted U.S. officials in murder-for-hire plot faces new terrorism charge https://t.co/xsxV6PfBJ3

— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) September 13, 2024

Iran Connection and Potential Targets

FBI Director Christopher Wray linked the plot to Iran, describing it last month as “straight out of the Iranian playbook.” This connection raises serious concerns about foreign interference and the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, particularly in the wake of the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

While the complaint does not name specific targets, an unnamed law enforcement official has indicated that former President Donald Trump was a potential target. Other possible targets mentioned in reports include President Joe Biden and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Details of the Sting Operation

The FBI’s sting operation culminated on June 10 when Merchant met with undercover law enforcement officers posing as assassins. During this meeting, he allegedly paid them $5,000 in cash, believing he was hiring a hitman to carry out his deadly plan. Merchant allegedly used code words like “fleece jacket” to refer to the assassination plot and drew out his plans on a napkin during discussions with the undercover agents.

Merchant was arrested on July 12 at his home in Texas, just one day before he planned to leave the United States. During the arrest, law enforcement recovered a handwritten note with codewords related to the plot, further solidifying the case against him.

Broader Implications and Government Response

This case is part of a larger pattern of Iranian plots against U.S. officials, according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The Justice Department and FBI are actively investigating these threats, with Garland emphasizing in August that such plots from Iran have been “persistent” and “brazen.” The arrest of Merchant sends a clear message about the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting its officials and citizens from foreign threats.

“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 last week.

It’s important to note that Merchant’s arrest is not believed to be connected to the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump in Pennsylvania. That incident involved a different individual, Thomas Crooks, who fired eight rounds, injuring Trump and others before being killed by a Secret Service sniper. The proximity of these events, however, underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile political figures in the United States.