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#1 out of 114.29%
crime2h ago
Man convicted in plot to assassinate Trump that was tied to Iran's paramilitary
- A Brooklyn jury convicted Asif Merchant of terrorism and murder-for-hire charges tied to an Iran-linked plot.
- Prosecutors said Merchant acted under direction from an Iranian Revolutionary Guard contact to target a U.S. politician.
- The plot surfaced during the 2024 campaign but was disrupted by undercover FBI agents before any attack.
- Merchant admitted to carrying out steps to enact the plan, claiming he would explain to authorities if needed.
- The government noted that Merchant sought to protect family members by complying with the handler's bidding.
- Iran has denied involvement in the plotting and is not the target of this conviction.
- Merchant faced up to life in prison after conviction in the federal case in Brooklyn.
- The case featured testimony from Merchant himself and remarks from U.S. Attorney and FBI officials.
- Merchant's business background included banking in Pakistan and garment ventures.
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