Pakistani National Charged in Alleged Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politician

Asif Merchant, linked to Iran, allegedly sought to avenge the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by targeting a prominent U.S. figure.

Merchant attempted to recruit conspirators in Brooklyn nightclubs, using code words related to clothing items.
He unknowingly hired two undercover FBI agents as hit men, paying them a $5,000 advance.
The plot included staging a fake protest and stealing documents to create chaos around the assassination.
Merchant, a bigamist with families in Pakistan and Iran, was arrested in Texas while attempting to flee the country.
The Department of Justice emphasizes ongoing efforts to counter Iranian threats against American officials.