Overview
- Asif Merchant was found guilty in Brooklyn of murder-for-hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries.
- Prosecutors said he sought to arrange a political assassination during the 2024 campaign, with names raised including Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Nikki Haley.
- An acquaintance alerted authorities, leading to meetings with undercover agents posing as hitmen, a cash advance of $5,000, and recordings of planning sessions.
- Merchant testified he acted under pressure to protect relatives in Iran, a claim prosecutors challenged by highlighting his planning steps and failure to alert authorities.
- He was arrested on July 12, 2024 before leaving the U.S., faces up to life in prison, and U.S. officials link the scheme to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as Tehran denies involvement.