Washington: A sensational trial has begun in New York’s federal court against a 47-year-old Pakistani national, Asif Merchant. US prosecutors allege that he conspired to assassinate top US political leaders, including President Donald Trump, during the 2024 presidential election campaign. According to Moneycontrol report, Asif Merchant, who appeared in the federal court in Brooklyn, has denied the charges of terrorism and other federal crimes against him. If he is proven guilty, he may be sentenced to life imprisonment.

How was the conspiracy to assassinate Trump revealed?

According to the prosecution, Merchant reached the US in April 2024 and tried to arrange ‘contract killing’ before the presidential elections to be held in November. He contacted a person whom he considered capable of finding the betel nut killer. But the man later became an FBI informant and the entire conversation was recorded. It was told in the court that Merchant gave $5,000 as advance money to two people whom he considered to be professional killers. But both of them turned out to be undercover agents of the FBI.

There was a plan for firing and stampede in the rally

Nadeem Ali, a witness in the case, testified in the court that Merchant had planned to shoot a big political leader at a public rally. Allegedly, after the attack, it was said that by creating a stampede and demonstration, the attacker would be given a chance to escape. Nadeem Ali told that the plan was explained on a napkin in the hotel by making a map of the buildings, the crowd and the position of the possible target. He said, ‘I was surprised to hear this.’

Although prosecutors did not publicly name any targets, court documents indicate that senior US leaders, including Trump, were potential targets. Searches related to the locations of Trump’s rallies are also said to have been found on Merchant’s laptop.

Iran connection also discussed

The prosecution also indicated in the court that Merchant had links with Iran. According to the documents, he has previously lived in Iran. US officials had warned of possible Iranian retaliation against American leaders after the assassination of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. However, Iran has rejected the allegations of involvement in any such murder conspiracy and termed them as ‘baseless’.