A federal jury in the United States has convicted Asif Merchant, a 47-year-old Pakistani national, for his role in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme aimed at prominent American political figures, including Donald Trump.
The verdict was delivered after a week-long trial in Brooklyn, where prosecutors argued that Merchant attempted to organize targeted killings by seeking a hitman in New York City during 2024.
The jury found him guilty of several charges, including murder for hire and attempted terrorism transcending national boundaries. He now faces the possibility of life imprisonment when sentencing is announced.
US authorities claimed that Merchant had links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and entered the United States to recruit individuals and plan politically motivated attacks.
According to prosecutors, Merchant travelled from Pakistan to the United States in April 2024, after spending time in Iran. Two months later, he reportedly contacted a person he believed could help carry out the killings. That individual later informed law enforcement about the approach.
Investigators said Merchant subsequently met with undercover officers posing as hired assassins in New York. The suspected plot was uncovered before any attack could occur, and he was arrested in July 2024 before he could leave the country.
During the court proceedings, Merchant told the jury that an IRGC contact had instructed him to arrange assassinations of political figures, including Trump, Joe Biden, and former US ambassador Nikki Haley. Prosecutors said the alleged plan was framed as revenge for the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.
Merchant’s legal team argued he had been acting under pressure, claiming his handler hinted at knowledge of his family members living in Iran. His defense also maintained that he believed he would be detained before any harm occurred and intended to cooperate with authorities in hopes of improving his immigration prospects.
According to US media reports, the jury reached its decision in less than two hours. Following the verdict, Joseph Nocella Jr. said the case demonstrated how swift action by law enforcement prevented a potential act of political violence.
Merchant’s attorney, Christopher Neff, expressed disappointment with the ruling but said the defense believes important legal issues remain unresolved and that the case may still see further developments.
