Plot to Carry Out Political Assassinations on U.S. Soil

SOURCE www.npr.org
Pakistani man with ties to Iran charged in a plot to carry out political assassinations on U.S. soil, arrested by the FBI after trying to hire undercover officers to commit the murders.

Key Points

  • Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran, planned political assassinations on U.S. soil.
  • He attempted to hire undercover officers to carry out the murders.
  • Merchant paid $5,000 as an advance to execute his plan before being arrested by the FBI.

Pros

  • The Justice Department and FBI successfully thwarted the planned assassinations.
  • The confidential source and undercover officers played a crucial role in preventing the potential attacks.

Cons

  • The threat of foreign-directed plots to kill U.S. citizens is a concerning issue for national security.