As reported by AP, Brooklyn prosecutors announced charges against 46-year-old Asif Merchantaccusing him of traveling to New Yorkwhere he allegedly hired an assassin to carry out the attacks.The plot was interrupted before it could be carried out.” – the agency reports, adding that “court documents do not identify any potential targets.”
Iran-linked Pakistani accused of conspiracy. Media: Donald Trump was the target
CNN, citing the indictment and a statement by an American official, reported that the foiled plot was aimed at Donald Trumpthe Republican candidate in the fall presidential elections. According to the TV station, the investigator FBI they think that The conspiracy targeted Trump, as well as current and former US government officials.
According to Reuters Merchant sought revenge for the US killing of Iranian intelligence chief General Qassem Soleimani In 2020, CNN reported that Pakistani has ties to the government Iran. The AP agency reported that the man spent many years in Iranwhere he has family.
American services foiled plot. 46-year-old arrested
Merchant arrived at New York in April of this year and contacted someone he believed would help him order a political assassination. That person contacted the FBI and began working for investigators.
It was revealed that the Pakistani he was looking for people who would steal documents or memory drives from the house of one of the victims, they will plan protests at political rallies and commit political assassinations.
A man met with alleged hitmen in New York who he believed were going to commit murders, but in reality they were undercover law enforcement officers. He was supposed to arrange for an advance payment of 5 tys. dol. in relation to the murders that were supposed to have taken place at the end of August or beginning of September.
According to court documents cited by Reuters, a federal judge ordered his detention on July 16He was then reportedly preparing to leave the United States. He is currently in federal custody..
Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump
On July 13, Donald Trump was the target of an unsuccessful assassination attempt carried out by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crookswho shot at him from a distance of 135 meters during Pennsylvania election rally. They died then two people – the bomber and the 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatorewho died trying to protect his family.
According to CNN, investigators determined that the failed attack in Pennsylvania has nothing to do with Merchant's actions. However, according to the station's information, the American services have been concerned for months about Iran's possible intentionsto kill Donald Trump.
Secret Service representatives had repeatedly warn Trump's campaign before organizing outdoor rallieswhich pose a greater risk than events in closed facilities – to which access can be better controlled. “These warnings were rather general in nature,” the editorial sources indicated.