Merchant Plot: Terrorism, Murder for Hire, FBI Sting
New York City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · The Daily News Now!
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Show Notes
Asif Merchant, a Pakistani man with Iranian connections, stands trial in Brooklyn federal court for plotting a terrorist act and hiring someone to murder a high-ranking U.S. political figure, including former President Donald Trump, in 2024. Merchant faces charges of terrorism across borders and murder for hire. The governments first witness, an informant named Ali, testified about meeting Merchant in 2017 and reconnecting in 2024. Ali, a veteran who wanted to serve his adopted country, received $20,000 for his help. In June, Merchant and Ali met in a wired Queens hotel room, where Merchant outlined plans to steal documents, stage a protest, and assassinate the target. Merchant handed over a $5,000 cash deposit to undercover agents posing as hitmen on June 21st, planning to flee the country on July 12th but was arrested at the airport. Prosecutors argue Merchant saw the target as a threat to Pakistan and the Muslim world, with families in both countries. Undercover agents are set to testify as the trial progresses.
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