Pakistani National Charged in Trump Assassination Plot

The US Justice Department has charged Pakistani national Asif Merchant with plotting political assassinations in the United States, allegedly on behalf of the Iranian government. Merchant, who has ties to both Iran and Pakistan, attempted to hire hitmen to target high-profile US officials, including former President Donald Trump. The assassination plot was intercepted by undercover FBI agents posing as hitmen, resulting in Merchant's arrest before any attack could take place. The case highlights ongoing foreign threats against American public figures, particularly from Iran, which has been seeking retribution for the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani. Merchant is currently in federal custody in New York, and heightened security measures have been implemented for Trump and other officials. FBI Director Christopher Wray and US Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the significance of this prosecution for national security.