Pakistani man with Iranian ties tried to execute political assassination before Trump got shot, says DOJ

BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: An investigation was conducted into the possibility of a Pakistani man with connections to the Iranian government allegedly carrying out a political assassination in the United States a few weeks before a gunman attempted to kill former president Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

According to a court complaint from federal prosecutors, Asif Merchant, 46, came to New York City and collaborated with a hitman to carry out the homicides in late August or early September. Based on the accusation, the plan was to attack senior American officials, possibly even President Trump.

US Attorney Breon Peace states Asif Merchant 'planned' murder of US government official

"Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil," said US Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, per Fox News. "This prosecution demonstrates that this Office and the entire U.S. Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats."

Asif Merchant was arrested on July 12 while preparing to leave the US

Authorities stated that Asif Merchant was taken into custody on July 12 as he was getting ready to depart the country. He disclosed to investigators that he has a wife and children in both Pakistan and Iran.

"Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents," said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. "This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas. Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats."

Asif Merchant's alleged foiled plot has no ties to Donald Trump's shooting

The shooting of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, is unrelated to Asif Merchant's purportedly foiled plot, a federal government source told Fox News. Investigators said targets included people on "both sides," not just Trump.

Prosecutors stated that Merchant traveled from Texas to New York City in April to hire a hitman to kill American political figures. He made contact with someone he thought could assist him, but according to court filings, that person got in touch with the FBI and started working there as a confidential source.

What did Asif Merchant tell the court?

Asif Merchant allegedly told the court that the "people who will be targeted are the ones who are hurting Pakistan and the world, [the] Muslim world. These are not normal people."

Court records claim that he asked a lady to conduct "reconnaissance" and 25 males who could stage a protest to divert attention after a murder. 

Asif Merchant met with the secret federal government source several times

During their multiple meetings, Asif Merchant told the source he wanted him to stage protests at political rallies, carry out homicides, and seize documents or USB drives from one victim's house. He is reported to have made a "finger gun" motion with his hand and told the source that the task was not a one-time opportunity at one meeting. 

Merchant mentioned the "party" back home in a meeting where he was preparing for multiple contingencies. Additionally, he employed code to convey his intentions. For example, he explained that "protest" was what "tee-shirts" meant, and that it was the "lightest work."

"Flannel shirt" would mean "stealing," which was "heavier work" and the "fleece jacket," the heaviest work, would mean "the third task . . . commit the act of the game," indicating the assassinations. The phrase "denim jacket" referred to "sending money."

Internet says Asif Merchant's arrest was USSS' 'inside job'

Many on social media appeared alarmed by recent reports that provided disturbing details about Asif Merchant who may have been involved in an attempted political assassination in the United States with ties to the Iranian government.

One X user tweeted, "It was all an inside job. The secret service that it happened." Another wrote, "Looks like they're compromising outsiders while taking out of the equation the secret service... Old but still effective move!"

"Glad they stopped him but why are they keep it a secret who the target was! Is it because they don't want more support for Donald Trump?" asked one while someone else wrote, "Welcome to the new normal in Biden and Kamala’s America." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.