Pakistani Businessman Testifies in US Assassination Plot Trial
A Pakistani man charged with plotting political assassinations in the United States has taken the stand in his own defense at an attempted terrorism trial in New York. Asif Merchant, 47, testified that potential targets of the 2024 scheme included now-President Donald Trump, then-President Joe Biden, and former presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
Allegations of Coercion and Fear
Merchant told jurors that his actions were driven by fear for family members in Iran, claiming he had "no other option" but to comply with demands from Iran's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. "My family was under threat, and I had to do this," Merchant testified through an Urdu interpreter. "I was not wanting to do this so willingly."
The defendant said he anticipated being arrested before any killings occurred and hoped cooperation would help him obtain a green card. However, U.S. authorities were already monitoring him—the supposed hit men he paid were actually undercover FBI agents.
Detailed Plot and Surveillance
Merchant testified that his Revolutionary Guard handler trained him in countersurveillance techniques and instructed him to:
- Seek U.S. residents willing to work for Iran
- Find criminals to arrange protests and conduct money laundering
- Potentially arrange a murder
After being questioned by immigration agents at Houston airport in April 2024, Merchant realized he was under surveillance but continued with the plot. He researched Trump rally locations, sketched plans for a shooting at a political event, and arranged to pay supposed hit men $5,000 as a "token of appreciation."
Prosecution's Case and Defense Arguments
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Gupta challenged Merchant's testimony, asking directly: "You traveled to the United States for the purpose of hiring Mafia members to kill a politician, correct?" Merchant replied, "That's right," maintaining his matter-of-fact demeanor throughout unusual testimony.
Prosecutors noted in court filings that Merchant never sought law enforcement help before his arrest and "neglected to mention any facts that could have supported" a duress defense during FBI interviews. Merchant countered that he couldn't approach authorities because his handler had people watching him, and he didn't think agents would believe his story.
Broader Context and Denials
The trial unfolds amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, though jurors are instructed to ignore external news. The Iranian government has denied plotting to kill Trump or other U.S. officials.
Merchant, who had a 20-year banking career in Pakistan before entering various businesses, testified that he was introduced to a Revolutionary Guard intelligence operative in late 2022. Their initial discussions involved informal money transfer systems before escalating to more serious assignments.
The defendant was arrested on July 12, 2024—just one day before an unrelated attempt on Trump's life in Pennsylvania. Despite voluntary FBI interviews, he ultimately faced trial rather than securing a cooperation deal.
