Who is Asif Merchant? Karachi man detained in US over connection to Trump attack

Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national born in Karachi around 1978, has been detained in the United States in connection with an alleged assassination plot targeting U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump.

Court documents reveal that Merchant has significant ties to both Iran and Pakistan, with a family in each country. According to the FBI, Merchant frequently traveled to Iran, Syria, and Iraq before he arrived in the U.S. from Pakistan in April 2024.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Merchant reportedly sought assistance from an individual he believed could help with his assassination plans. In June, he met this person in New York and disclosed his intentions. The individual subsequently informed law enforcement and became a confidential source.

Merchant allegedly described his plans in detail, making a ‘finger-gun’ gesture to indicate his intent to kill. He outlined various schemes, including stealing documents, planning protests, and ultimately carrying out assassinations. The FBI stated that Merchant planned to execute the assassination after leaving the U.S., using code words for communication from overseas.

Merchant’s plan included a timeline for the assassination, targeting the last week of August or the first week of September. On June 21, Merchant paid $5,000 to an alleged accomplice and made arrangements to leave the U.S. on July 12. However, he was arrested before he could depart.

The merchant is currently in federal custody in New York. The FBI continues to investigate the case, and the U.S. Justice Department has not confirmed the specific targets beyond the broader category of politicians or government officials.