Follow Us on Google News
NEW YORK: A Pakistani man with alleged ties to Iran has been charged with plotting to assassinate a U.S. official in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani, U.S. prosecutors announced on Wednesday.
Asif Raza Merchant, 46, is accused of attempting to hire a hitman to kill a U.S. government official or politician, according to a statement from the Justice Department.
“These charges against Asif Merchant demonstrate our commitment to hold accountable those who engage in Iran’s deadly plots against Americans,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland.
“Merchant is accused of orchestrating a plan to assassinate U.S. politicians and officials. Today’s indictment sends a message to terrorists worldwide,” added U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
The target of the assassination plot was not identified. However, the attorney general has stated that there is no evidence linking Merchant to the July 13 attempted murder of former president Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
FBI Director Christopher Wray noted that Merchant had “close ties to Iran” and described the alleged murder-for-hire scheme as “consistent with Iranian tactics.” Another FBI official said the hitmen Merchant allegedly sought to hire were actually undercover agents.
