A federal jury in New York has convicted a Pakistani national accused of plotting to assassinate prominent American political leaders, including United States President Donald Trump.
The accused, Asif Raza Merchant, was found guilty in a Brooklyn federal court on charges linked to transnational terrorism and a murder-for-hire conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged that he attempted to recruit a contract killer to assassinate a high-profile US political figure.
Alleged Plot Linked to Revenge for Soleimani Killing
Prosecutors told the court the plan was connected to revenge for the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Soleimani, who led the overseas operations of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in January 2020 in a US drone strike in Baghdad ordered during Trump’s presidency. The strike triggered intense tensions between the United States and Iran, with Iranian leaders publicly vowing retaliation.
According to investigators, Merchant allegedly maintained contacts connected to Iran while attempting to organise the assassination operation.
Court Hears Details of Alleged Hitman Plan
During the trial, prosecutors said Merchant tried to hire a hitman to carry out the attack within the United States. Evidence presented in court suggested that discussions about potential targets referenced several prominent American political figures.
Those names reportedly included President Trump, former US President Joe Biden and former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
However, investigators stated that the alleged plan never progressed to the stage where a specific assassination order was finalised.
Accused Claims He Was Forced to Participate
While testifying in court, Merchant denied willingly planning an assassination attempt. He told the jury that he had been pressured by individuals connected to Iran and feared for the safety of his family living in Tehran.
Merchant said he believed that US authorities would arrest him before any attack could take place.
Arrest and Possible Life Sentence
US authorities arrested Merchant on July 12, 2024, while he was preparing to leave the country. Investigators had been tracking his activities as part of the ongoing probe.
Following his conviction on both charges, Merchant now faces the possibility of life imprisonment. Prosecutors said the sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
The case has drawn international attention because of its alleged geopolitical connections and the involvement of high-profile American political figures as potential targets.
