Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with ties to Iran, pleaded not guilty to federal charges of terrorism and murder-for-hire in a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Merchant, who arrived in the U.S. from Iran in April, allegedly sought assistance from an individual who reported him to law enforcement, leading to his arrest. The Justice Department emphasized that Iran's attempts to target U.S. officials would not be tolerated, with Attorney General Merrick Garland asserting the commitment to national security. If convicted, Merchant faces a potential life sentence. Concurrently, another individual, Ryan Wesley Routh, faced unrelated firearm charges in a Florida court connected to an apparent attempt on Trump's life. Merchant's next court hearing is scheduled for November 6.