Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran, pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism and murder-for-hire in a plot to assassinate U.S. politicians, including former President Donald Trump. Merchant, who arrived in the U.S. in April after traveling through Iran, contacted an individual to assist in his plans, which included stealing documents and organizing protests. The individual became a confidential informant, leading to Merchant's arrest in July after he engaged with undercover FBI agents posing as hitmen. Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the seriousness of the threat and the commitment to protecting national security. While Merchant's plot was allegedly motivated by retaliation for the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, Iran's mission to the United Nations has distanced itself from the alleged scheme.