Trending Now - Pakistani National Linked to Iran Charged in Assassination Plot

WHO:

Asif Merchant, 46, a Pakistani national

President Donald Trump

Former President Joe Biden

War Secretary Pete Hegseth

Judge Eric Komitee

FBI Director Christopher Wray

Then-Attorney General Merrick Garland

FBI agent Jacqueline Smith

Merchant's defense lawyer Avraham Moskowitz

Iranian paramilitary group: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

WHAT:

Merchant is accused of plotting to assassinate U.S. politicians, potentially including Trump, as part of a murder-for-hire scheme.

Merchant allegedly attempted to hire hit men for $5,000, who were actually undercover FBI agents.

He was indicted in July 2024 on charges of attempted terrorism and engaging in a murder-for-hire plot.

Merchant's trial is ongoing in Brooklyn, New York.

The trial includes evidence of Merchant's online searches for Trump rally locations and images depicting Trump’s death.

Merchant was arrested on July 12, 2024, in Texas while preparing to fly back to Pakistan.

WHERE:

Brooklyn, New York (trial location)

Texas (arrest location)

Iran (Merchant's alleged ties and travels)

Locations of Trump rallies (searched by Merchant)

WHEN:

Merchant's trial began in early March 2026.

He was indicted on July 12, 2024.

The alleged assassination plot was connected to events in 2024.

Trump made a statement regarding Iranian plots on March 3, 2026.

WHY:

The plot is described as part of Iran's ongoing threats against the United States, particularly in response to U.S. military actions against Iran.

Merchant allegedly believed he had a Revolutionary Guard handler who would finance the assassination plan.

HOW:

Merchant outlined his assassination plot on a napkin during a recorded meeting with an informant.

He communicated with undercover FBI agents about his intentions and plans.

Evidence presented in court includes images and recordings of Merchant discussing the plot and attempting to pay for the hit.

Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani national, is currently on trial in Brooklyn, New York, accused of plotting to assassinate U.S. politicians, including Trump, as part of a murder-for-hire scheme. Allegedly, Merchant attempted to hire hit men for $5,000, who turned out to be undercover FBI agents, and evidence presented in court includes his online searches for Trump rally locations and images depicting Trump’s death. The trial, which began earlier this month, follows Merchant's arrest in Texas on July 12, 2024, while he was preparing to fly back to Pakistan, and is tied to ongoing threats from Iran against the United States.