Who is Asif Merchant? Pak national on trial over alleged plot to assassinate US politician, possibly Trump

Pakistani man on trial in US over Iran-linked plot to assassinate Trump

• Pakistani man on trial in NY for alleged plot to kill US leaders
• Merchant charged for hiring undercover FBI agents for murders
• Defense denies terrorism, no credible assassination plot found

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A 47-year-old Pakistani national has gone on trial in New York, accused by US prosecutors of attempting to orchestrate the killing of American political leaders, including US President Donald Trump, during the 2024 election campaign.

Asif Merchant appeared before a federal jury in Brooklyn this week, facing charges that could result in a life sentence if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted terrorism and other federal offences.

Alleged assassination plan outlined in court

Prosecutors told jurors that Merchant travelled to the United States in April 2024 and sought to arrange contract killings ahead of the November presidential election. According to court testimony, he contacted a man he believed could help him find hitmen. That individual later informed authorities and began cooperating with the FBI.

The case centres on an undercover sting operation. Prosecutors allege that Merchant paid $5,000 as an advance to two individuals he thought were assassins but who were, in fact, undercover FBI agents.

In court, an intermediary identified as Nadeem Ali testified that Merchant described a plan to shoot a political figure at a public rally and then stage a protest to create a distraction for the gunman’s escape. Using objects placed on a hotel napkin, Merchant allegedly mapped out buildings, crowds, and the intended victim to illustrate how the attack would unfold.

"I was shocked," Ali told jurors in Brooklyn federal court, recounting his conversations with Merchant, which he recorded for the FBI.

Although prosecutors have not publicly confirmed a specific final target, court filings indicate that senior US officials, including Trump, were among those allegedly considered. Authorities also said searches for Trump rally locations were found on Merchant’s laptop.

Assistant US Attorney Nina Gupta told the court that Merchant described the intended target as "someone who was hurting Pakistan and the Muslim world."

Alleged Iran links and background

US officials have previously warned of potential Iranian retaliation against American leaders following the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani. Prosecutors have referenced possible Iranian connections in court filings, though Tehran has consistently denied involvement in any assassination plots targeting US officials, calling such allegations “unsubstantiated and malicious.”

Court documents indicate Merchant previously lived in Iran before travelling to the United States. Prosecutors allege he harboured grievances against American leaders over Soleimani’s killing.

Defence rejects terrorism claims

Merchant’s defence team has argued that there is no concrete evidence linking him to an actionable plot. His lawyer described him as a religious businessman and father who divides his time between Pakistan and Iran, where he has families in both countries — an arrangement the defence noted is legal there.

Defence counsel urged jurors not to accept what they characterised as a one-sided narrative, saying the evidence does not support the government’s claims of terrorism or a credible assassination attempt.

Context of the alleged plot

Prosecutors said the alleged conspiracy unfolded weeks before an unrelated July 13, 2024, assassination attempt against Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Authorities have stated there is no connection between that incident and Merchant’s case.

The trial continues in federal court in New York, where jurors will weigh evidence from recorded conversations, financial transactions, and testimony related to the FBI’s undercover operation.