By Patrick Byrne 
In a dramatic development, Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, was indicted yesterday on charges of attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries and murder-for-hire. Merchant allegedly orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on American soil. The alleged scheme, described by officials as both chilling and sophisticated, was foiled before any attack could take place. Merchant, who was arrested in July 2024, remains in federal custody.
“The Justice Department will not tolerate Iran’s efforts to target our country’s public officials and endanger our national security,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As these terrorism and murder-for-hire charges against Asif Merchant demonstrate, we will continue to hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against Americans.”
According to U.S. authorities, Merchant’s ties to Iran played a central role in the alleged plot, which involved multiple criminal schemes including assassination, document theft, and protest orchestration.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the severity of the case: “This dangerous murder-for-hire plot was allegedly orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian regime’s playbook. A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a serious threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.”
Elaborate Plot Unveiled
Merchant’s scheme began to unravel after he contacted a person in the U.S. whom he believed would assist in his assassination plans. That individual, now identified as a confidential source (CS), promptly alerted law enforcement. By June 2024, the CS was cooperating with investigators and meeting with Merchant to gather evidence.
Merchant allegedly laid out a multi-pronged plan involving the theft of sensitive documents, the organization of protests, and the assassination of a public figure. According to court filings, Merchant made it clear that the assassination was to be carried out in the U.S., while he would coordinate from abroad. Using a “finger gun” gesture, he allegedly confirmed the killing would be his top priority.
Over the following weeks, Merchant’s actions escalated. He reportedly met with undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (UCs), whom he believed were hitmen, in New York. He described his need for their assistance in theft, protest organizing, and, most disturbingly, the assassination of a politician or government official. Merchant allegedly promised to provide details on the target just before his departure from the U.S. in mid-July.
Merchant paid the UCs a $5,000 advance for the hit, and even discussed the logistics of communicating from overseas using coded messages. Law enforcement arrested him on July 12, before he could leave the country.
Swift Federal Action
The swift response from U.S. law enforcement agencies underscores the gravity of the case. “As alleged, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate U.S. politicians and government officials,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s indictment is a message to terrorists here and abroad that my Office and the Department of Justice will continue to take all steps necessary to protect the country against foreign threats.”
Merchant, who arrived in the U.S. from Pakistan after spending time in Iran, is believed to have been acting on the orders of unidentified figures overseas. He faces charges that could result in life imprisonment if convicted.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine Merchant’s ties to foreign operatives and potential collaborators.
Merchant’s case highlights a growing concern among U.S. officials regarding international plots to destabilize domestic security. The Department of Justice and FBI have vowed to remain vigilant in their efforts to thwart any such attempts moving forward.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Merchant is currently detained, with court proceedings expected to intensify in the coming months. If found guilty, he could face life in prison for his role in the foiled assassination attempt.
As the nation watches closely, this case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by foreign-directed plots against U.S. officials and the continued efforts by law enforcement to prevent acts of terror within the country’s borders.
Ryan Rudd