In a shocking turn of events, a Pakistani national, Asif Merchant, has been charged with murder-for-hire in a sinister plot to assassinate current and former government officials in the US. The 46-year-old arrived from Pakistan in April, where he had spent time in Iran before meeting an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman.
Merchant allegedly paid $5,000 as an advance for the assassination plot and was arrested in New York, where he is currently in federal custody. US Attorney General Merrick Garland has pledged to spare no resources in holding those involved in Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens accountable.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has labeled the plot as a threat to national security and promised to use the full might of the FBI in investigating the matter. Meanwhile, the White House spokesperson has confirmed an ongoing investigation and clarified that there is no evidence linking Merchant to the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed concern and stated they are in touch with US authorities to gather further details before giving a formal reaction.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details unfold.