A Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran has been charged in a New York federal court over a plot to assassinate a US politician and other officials. The criminal complaint, unsealed on Tuesday, names Asif Raza Merchant, 46, as the key figure in the “murder-for-hire” scheme.
Alleged targets and connections
While initial reports suggested that former President Donald Trump and other officials were the targets, the White House clarified there was no connection between this plot and the recent assassination attempt on the Republican presidential nominee in Butler, Pennsylvania. FBI Director Christopher Wray described the plot as being “straight out of the Iranian playbook.”
Details from court documents
Court documents revealed that Merchant, a resident of Karachi, had alleged ties to Tehran. Merchant informed investigators that he had a family in Iran and another in Pakistan. After arriving in the US from Pakistan in April 2024, Merchant contacted a person he believed could assist with the scheme. This individual, however, reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source.
In early June, Merchant met with this source in New York, where he detailed his plan. He indicated that there would be multiple opportunities for the assassination and demonstrated his intent with a “finger gun” gesture. Merchant emphasised that the targets would be located in the US and directed the source to arrange meetings with potential hitmen.
Undercover operation and arrest
In mid-June, Merchant met with undercover US law enforcement officers posing as hitmen. He outlined his requirements, including theft of documents, organising protests at political rallies, and assassinating a political figure. Merchant informed the undercover officers that they would receive instructions on who to kill by late August or early September, after he had left the US. He arranged to pay the hitmen $5,000 in advance for the assassination.
Merchant was arrested before he could leave the US on July 12.
Legal proceedings and presumption of innocence
The court documents emphasise that the charges are allegations, and Merchant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Merchant remains in federal custody in New York.
Response from Pakistan
The Pakistani Embassy in Washington, currently without an ambassador, is reviewing the matter and has yet to comment. The Foreign Office in Islamabad issued a statement acknowledging their communication with US authorities and the ongoing investigation. The spokesperson emphasised the need to verify Merchant’s background before providing a formal reaction.
