FBI Stopped Plot to Kill Donald Trump With Reported Ties to Iran
The FBI foiled a Pakistani national’s plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump and more American officials last month, according to court documents unsealed on Tuesday.
Asif Merchant, 46, was arrested July 12 for targeting officials who are “hurting Pakistan and the world, [the] Muslim world.” Merchant was preparing to leave the country after he thought his hired hitmen, who were actually undercover FBI agents, were ready to carry out his orders in late August or early September.
Merchant was hoping to recruit roughly 25 people to help him with his plans, with some forming a protest to cause mayhem as a distraction and a woman to do “reconnaissance” work. He mapped out potential assassination plans on a napkin for the FBI agents and secured $5,000 for a prepayment, with plans to send more money after he left the country.