A Pakistani alleged to have plotted to kill prominent politicians in the U.S. has now been charged with terrorism, according to court documents.
Asif Merchant, 46, is charged with attempting to commit an act of terrorism that transcends national boundaries as well as murder for hire, according to a court document released Tuesday.
A native of Pakistan with family in Iran, his target in the foiled plot was alleged to be a U.S. politician and official – possibly former President Donald Trump.
Merchan’s alleged plot included two hit men, 25 actors to stage a fake protest and create additional chaos around the time of the murder, and a woman who would take care of “reconnaissance.”
Prosecutors allege he hired two undercover FBI agents instead of assassins, but it’s unclear how much progress he made recruiting the other plotters.
