Foiled Assassination Plot Targeting US Officials

A Pakistani man with ties to the Iranian government was arrested for an alleged assassination plot targeting high-ranking US officials, potentially including former President Donald Trump. The plot, which was investigated weeks before a gunman tried to kill Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, was foiled by the FBI.

• Asif Merchant, 46, traveled to New York City and worked with a hit man to carry out the assassinations in late August or early September, federal prosecutors said.
• Merchant was arrested on July 12 while preparing to leave the US. He told investigators that he has a wife and children in Iran and Pakistan.
• Merchant's alleged plot has no ties to the shooting of Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Alleged Assassination Plot: Asif Merchant and the Hitman

Merchant allegedly arrived in New York City from Texas in April with the intention of hiring a hit man to kill political figures in the US. He contacted someone he believed would help him, but the person contacted the FBI and began working for the agency as a confidential source.

• Merchant allegedly told the source 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."
• He allegedly requested 25 men who could perform a protest as a distraction after a murder occurred, and a woman to do "reconnaissance."
• Merchant allegedly met with the source several times and stated he wanted him to do three things: steal documents or USB drives from one victim's home, plan protests at political rallies, and carry out assassinations.

Code Words and The Assassination Plot

Merchant allegedly used coded language to communicate his plans, saying "tee-shirt" meant "protest," which he described as the "lightest work." "Flannel shirt" would mean "stealing," which was "heavier work," and "fleece jacket," the heaviest work, would mean "the third task…commit the act of the game," indicating the assassinations. "Denim jacket" referred to "sending money."

• Merchant allegedly met with undercover law enforcement officers and said he wanted to commit the killing in the last week of August or first week of September.
• He paid $5,000 in advance, authorities said.

FBI's Role in Foiling the Assassination Plot

The FBI played a crucial role in foiling the assassination plot. The agency used undercover agents to infiltrate Merchant's operation and gather evidence. The FBI's success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirmed the agency's commitment to protecting the nation from both domestic and international threats.

• The FBI's actions highlight the importance of intelligence gathering and undercover operations in preventing acts of violence and terrorism.
• This case underscores the FBI's dedication and formidable efforts to protect the nation's security and its citizens from foreign threats.

Security Threat: Iran and the Assassination Plot

The alleged plot has raised concerns about potential retaliation from Iran for the 2020 airstrike that killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani, a commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Security concerns related to Trump and his former advisors have been raised before.

• The Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations told Fox News Digital that it has not received any reports on this matter from the US Government. However, the Iranian government has denied any involvement in the alleged assassination plot, calling it a contradiction of their policy of legally prosecuting the murderer of General Soleimani.

Previous Assassination Plot Against US Officials

In 2022, the US charged a 45-year-old member of Iran's IRGC who offered to pay someone $300,000 to kill former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton. The suspect allegedly also had plans to target former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

• This incident demonstrates a pattern of Iranian-backed threats against US officials and highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
• The FBI is actively investigating these threats and working to protect US citizens from foreign adversaries.

Conclusion: The Importance of Countering Security Threats

This foiled assassination plot serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats facing the US. The incident highlights the importance of intelligence gathering, law enforcement cooperation, and proactive measures to protect the nation's security. The FBI's successful intervention in this case underscores the crucial role of the agency in preventing acts of violence and terrorism and protecting US citizens from foreign threats.