The US has charged a Pakistani man, allegedly with ties to Iran, with attempting to assassinate American politicians, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
Federal prosecutors allege that Asif Merchant, 46, orchestrated a plot to kill an unidentified politician or US government official on American soil. After a stint in Iran, Merchant traveled to the US from Pakistan in April and contacted an individual he believed could help him carry out the assassination.
According to a source familiar with the matter, former President Donald Trump was considered a potential target by Merchant. However, there is no evidence linking this plot to the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, last month.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated it is in communication with US officials about the case and awaits further details. Iran’s mission to the UN denied having received any reports on the matter from the US Government.
Merchant was ordered held without bail by US Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom in Brooklyn, who deemed him a “severe” threat to the US and a flight risk.
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