Pakistani Businessman Testifies in U.S. Attempted Terrorism Trial
Asif Merchant, a Pakistani businessman, has testified in his attempted terrorism trial in New York. He is accused of plotting to hire individuals to kill U.S. politicians, with alleged targets including then-President Joe Biden, now-President Donald Trump, and former presidential candidate Nikki Haley. Prosecutors state Merchant acted on behalf of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
Merchant is accused of plotting to hire individuals to kill U.S. politicians, including Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Nikki Haley.
Merchant's Testimony
Merchant stated his actions were driven by fear for his family members in Iran. He claimed he anticipated being apprehended before any assassinations occurred and intended to cooperate with the U.S. government, hoping to secure a green card. During questioning by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Gupta, Merchant affirmed that he traveled to the United States to hire individuals to kill a politician.
Law Enforcement Involvement
U.S. authorities were aware of the scheme, with the individuals Merchant believed were hitmen actually being undercover FBI agents. Merchant was arrested on July 12, 2024. Investigators reportedly found a handwritten note with codewords related to the plot. Merchant did participate in voluntary FBI interviews but did not secure a cooperation deal, leading to the trial.
Alleged Revolutionary Guard Connection
Merchant, who had a banking career and various businesses, testified that he was introduced to a Revolutionary Guard intelligence operative in Iran around late 2022. He stated the contact initially discussed an informal money transfer system known as hawala.
Later, Merchant's periodic visits to the U.S. for his garment business reportedly piqued the operative's interest. He was trained in countersurveillance techniques and assigned to find U.S. residents willing to work for Iran. Subsequently, he was instructed to seek out a criminal for activities including protests, theft, money laundering, and potentially murder, with Trump, Biden, and Haley named as targets.
Plot Details and Duress Claim
After being questioned by U.S. immigration agents in April 2024, Merchant concluded he was under surveillance. He allegedly researched Trump rally locations and outlined a shooting plot at a political rally.
Merchant reportedly arranged for the supposed hitmen and provided $5,000, secured from a cousin, as a "token of appreciation." He reported back to his Revolutionary Guard contact, sending observations, which Merchant claimed were fake, via intermediaries.
Merchant stated he "had no other option" but to comply, asserting the handler knew the locations of his Iranian relatives.
Prosecutors noted that Merchant did not seek law enforcement assistance before his arrest and did not mention acting under duress during initial FBI interviews. The Iranian government has denied plotting to kill Trump or other U.S. officials.