08/07/2024

Man Arrested for Allegedly Plotting to Kill U.S. Leaders

The Pakistani national allegedly possesses close ties to Iran

A man was arrested last month for allegedly planning murders-for-hire against U.S. politicians or officials, the Justice Department said Tuesday.

Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, is accused of getting in touch with someone to facilitate a murder plot after coming to the U.S. from Pakistan in April. That person told law enforcement of Merchant's plans and began working as a confidential source.

Merchant, 46, allegedly told the confidential source in June that he had an "opportunity" for him and made a finger gun motion. Merchant asked the confidential source to arrange meetings with people whom he could hire to carry out the killings, the Justice Department said.

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