Asif Merchant is a Pakistani national facing trial in the United States on charges of conspiracy to commit murder linked to alleged terrorist activity. U.S. prosecutors claim he attempted to hire individuals he believed were contract killers — who were actually undercover agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation — in a plot that allegedly included targeting high-profile American political figures, including Donald Trump.

What Are the Charges?

Merchant has been charged with:

Conspiracy to commit murder in connection with terrorism
Attempted terrorism-related offenses
Multiple federal criminal violations

According to court filings, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors have indicated that the case may involve alleged links to elements connected to Iran, though detailed evidence regarding foreign government involvement has not been publicly disclosed.

What Was the Alleged Plot?

Court proceedings in a federal court in Brooklyn revealed that:

Merchant allegedly paid $5,000 in advance to two men he believed were hired assassins.
The individuals were actually undercover FBI agents.
He allegedly discussed targeting a political figure at a large outdoor rally.
Prosecutors presented testimony and audio recordings during trial.

According to an intermediary identified in court as Nadeem Ali, Merchant allegedly described a plan involving:

Shooting a political figure at a public rally
Staging a protest to create chaos
Allowing the shooter to escape during confusion

Prosecutors said Merchant sketched out details of the alleged plan on a hotel napkin.

Notably, officials say he was arrested before formally naming a specific target, though prosecutors stated he referenced targeting “someone who was hurting Pakistan and the Muslim world.”

Court filings reportedly also referenced searches of Trump rally locations on Merchant’s laptop.

How Authorities Uncovered the Case

The case developed after:

An intermediary alerted authorities
Recorded conversations were made over two days
The FBI arranged undercover meetings with Merchant
The $5,000 payment was allegedly made during those meetings

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Gupta told jurors that Merchant met supposed hitmen and made an initial payment before specifying a target.

He was arrested before the alleged plan could move forward.

Legal Status and Trial

The trial is currently underway in federal court in Brooklyn. Prosecutors are presenting audio recordings, testimony, and digital evidence.

Merchant maintains his innocence and has entered a not-guilty plea.

The case remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as court proceedings continue.

Key Entities

Asif Merchant — Pakistani National Facing Federal Charges
Donald Trump — President of the United States
Federal Bureau of Investigation — U.S. Domestic Intelligence and Security Agency
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York — Federal Trial Court in Brooklyn
Iran — Country Allegedly Referenced in Prosecutorial Claims
Final Verdict
The case against Asif Merchant represents a serious federal prosecution involving alleged terrorism-linked conspiracy and an attempted contract killing targeting a high-profile U.S. political figure, including references to Donald Trump.
However, it is crucial to note that Merchant has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is still ongoing in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The prosecution has presented undercover recordings, financial evidence, and testimony, while the defense retains the opportunity to challenge the claims.
At this stage, the allegations remain accusations — not convictions. The final outcome will depend on the court’s evaluation of evidence and the jury’s verdict.
Until then, the case stands as a high-profile example of federal counterterrorism operations and the legal process in action, rather than a concluded judgment.