ISLAMABAD, September 12,2024 (TDI): On Thursday, a Pakistani man with alleged connections to Iran has been charged with plotting to assassinate a U.S. official in retaliation for the death of Revolutionary Guards Commander Qassem Soleimani, according to a statement issued by the Justice Department.
Asif Raza Merchant, 46, faces charges related to a conspiracy to murder a U.S. politician or government official.
Prosecutors claim Merchant attempted to employ a hitman for the job, though the individuals he approached were actually undercover FBI agents.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the indictment sends a strong message to those involved in terrorism, stating, “We will continue to hold accountable those who would seek to conduct Iran’s deadly plotting against Americans.”
Pakistani Charged With Plot to Kill US Official
Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. Merchant is accused of orchestrating a plan to retaliate against the U.S. by targeting high-profile figures.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace remarked that the indictment underscores the government’s commitment to combat terrorism.
Red More:US Holds no Talks with Pakistan Over Merchant
FBI Director Christopher Wray noted that Merchant’s actions were “straight out of the Iranian playbook.”
He also clarified that there is no evidence linking Merchant to the recent murder attempt against former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
The accused was taken into custody on July 12 as he planned to escaped the country.
