US Accuses Pakistani Man of Plot to Kill American Officials

  • US said Asif Merchant traveled to NY to hire hit man
  • Alleged plot foiled by a confidential government source

Federal prosecutors said Asif Merchant, 46, orchestrated a plot to kill an unidentified politician or US government officials on American soil. 

Source: Justice Department
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The US charged a Pakistani man, who allegedly has ties to Iran, with attempting to carry out assassinations of American politicians.

Federal prosecutors said Asif Merchant, 46, orchestrated a plot to kill an unidentified politician or US government officials on American soil. After spending time in Iran, Merchant traveled to the US from Pakistan in April and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the plot, according a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York.