Pakistani man on trial in US over Iran-linked plot to assassinate Trump
India Today
Asif Merchant, 47, appeared before a federal jury in Brooklyn this week facing charges that could bring a life sentence if he is convicted. Prosecutors allege he travelled to New York in 2024 to organise killings on American soil during the presidential election.
A Pakistani man with alleged ties to Iran went on trial in New York this week, accused by US prosecutors of plotting to hire assassins to kill American political figures, including US President Donald Trump.
Asif Merchant, 47, appeared before a federal jury in Brooklyn this week facing charges that could bring a life sentence if he is convicted. Prosecutors allege he travelled to New York in 2024 to organise killings on American soil during the tense run-up to the presidential election.
He entered the US in April 2024 and quickly got in touch with a man he thought could help him arrange contract killings. However, this man had other plans and tipped off the authorities, becoming a confidential informant in the process, which led to an FBI sting operation. Later, he handed over a $5,000 advance payment to two supposed assassins who were in fact undercover FBI agents. The meeting, prosecutors told jurors, marked a concrete step toward an attack that never materialised.
Although no final target was named at the time, court filings indicated that senior US officials, including Trump, were among those being considered.
Prosecutors said Asif Merchant explained his plans during meetings by arranging everyday objects on a hotel napkin to represent buildings, crowds and the intended victim. The visual outline, they argued, showed both preparation and intent.
They also told jurors the proposed killing was meant to take place before the November 2024 presidential election.
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