FBI Under Scrutiny Over Terror Suspect's Release

Asif Raza Merchant, a Pakistani national recently charged with plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, was allowed entry into the U.S. in April despite being on a terrorism watchlist. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force interviewed Merchant upon his arrival at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where he was deemed 'polite and cooperative' and subsequently released under a special parole known as 'significant public benefit parole.' This decision has raised concerns about the FBI's judgment, especially considering Merchant's recent travel to Iran and his flagged status in the Department of Homeland Security database. After entering the U.S., Merchant attempted to hire assassins before being arrested on July 12, just one day before a thwarted assassination attempt on Trump. Law enforcement officials suggested that allowing him into the country was part of a strategy to gather intelligence on potential terror connections. Critics argue this approach poses significant risks, echoing past controversies surrounding FBI operations.