The FBI has officially refuted CNN’s report regarding Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national allegedly involved in a plot to carry out political assassinations in the U.S.
CNN, citing unsealed court documents from the Justice Department, had reported that Merchant was charged and that the U.S. government had heightened security for former President Donald Trump and other officials in response to the case.
Despite these claims, experts argue that CNN’s portrayal of Merchant is a classic example of yellow journalism, as there is no substantial evidence against him. The FBI has stated that its investigation found no links between Merchant and a recent shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. The agency believes that Trump and other U.S. officials were the intended targets of the alleged plot.
Asif Merchant, aged 46, is accused of traveling to New York City and collaborating with a hitman to carry out the assassinations in late August or early September. He was arrested on July 12 while preparing to leave the U.S., shortly after meeting with individuals he believed to be hitmen but who were actually undercover law enforcement officers. Merchant remains in federal custody.
The White House has also stated that no evidence has been found against Merchant, and the investigation is ongoing while he remains in custody. Merchant had planned to leave the country before the alleged assassinations could be carried out but was apprehended before he could depart.
