Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to a murder-for-hire and terrorism plot that targeted former President Donald Trump.

Merchant is accused of conspiring with others to carry out assassinations of political figures, including President Joe Biden and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and he could face a significant sentence if ultimately found guilty, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Merchant's case involves a series of alleged meetings and actions that led to his arrest by undercover FBI agents in July.

Having arrived in the United States in April after spending time in Iran, Merchant is accused of contacting an individual soon after his arrival to help carry out an assassination.

According to authorities, the person he approached reported the plot to law enforcement. This initiated a months-long investigation.

Undercover FBI Agents Infiltrate Plot

In July, Merchant met with undercover FBI agents who posed as hitmen. During these interactions, he allegedly paid the agents to assassinate several "politicians, military people, or bureaucrats." These meetings were key in leading to his arrest, as Merchant sought to flee the country shortly afterward.

Merchant was indicted on September 10, with his charges stemming from this plot. Federal prosecutors stated that Merchant was involved in a larger foreign-directed effort, likely with ties to the Iranian regime.

Multiple Political Figures Targeted

Beyond the plot against Trump, documents released by Sen. Chuck Grassley revealed that President Joe Biden and Nikki Haley were also discussed as potential targets. These documents were part of the ongoing investigation into Merchant’s alleged ties to Iran.

Attorney General Merrick Garland commented on the charges, stating that the Justice Department would not tolerate attempts by Iran to target U.S. public officials. "As these terrorism and murder-for-hire charges against Asif Merchant demonstrate, we will continue to hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against Americans," Garland said.

Connection to Trump Assassination Attempt

Merchant's arraignment coincided with the revelation of another assassination attempt on former President Trump. On July 13, Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly targeted Trump at the Trump International Golf Club, hiding in the bushes with an AK-47.

The Secret Service intervened, and Trump was grazed by a bullet during the incident. The attempt on Trump's life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, also resulted in the death of one rallygoer and injuries to two others.

FBI's Role in Preventing Attack

FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the severity of the plot during a press conference. "This dangerous murder-for-hire plot was allegedly orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian regime’s playbook," Wray stated. "A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a serious threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI."

Wray also highlighted that protecting Americans from terrorism remains the FBI's highest priority, ensuring that foreign plots are dealt with swiftly.

Assassination Plot Discovered Early

The timing of Merchant's alleged plot came just months before he attempted to flee the country in July. His initial contact with law enforcement occurred shortly after arriving in the United States, when he sought help in arranging the assassination.

It was only after Merchant began negotiations with undercover agents that the full extent of the plot became clear. He allegedly paid the agents to carry out these attacks, further implicating him in the plot.

Ongoing Investigation into Broader Plot

Federal investigators continue to delve into Merchant's connections with Iran. Authorities are examining his background and any potential links between his plot and broader geopolitical tensions involving the Iranian regime.

Merchant's indictment on September 10 marks a critical moment in the investigation, as federal prosecutors move forward with the charges.

Conclusion of Case Expected Soon

As the case against Asif Merchant progresses, authorities remain vigilant about any further threats. Both Garland and Wray have vowed to hold accountable those who threaten U.S. public officials, particularly if foreign governments are involved.

In summary, the charges against Merchant involve a multi-pronged assassination plot targeting several high-profile figures. His arraignment coincided with other attempts on Trump's life, highlighting the ongoing threat to public figures in the U.S.