backed plot to assassinate Biden, Trump, and Haley

On Thursday, Sen. Chuck Grassley disclosed FBI documents revealing an Iranian-backed plot to assassinate prominent American political figures, including Trump, Biden, and Nikki Haley. The information was obtained from whistleblowers and detailed an interview with Asif Merchant, a Pakistani man involved in the conspiracy. Merchant discussed assassination strategies with his handler, Mehardad Yousef, indicating that Trump was the primary target due to his role in the killing of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani. The documents highlighted that the plot aimed at various politicians, military personnel, and bureaucrats, with Merchant inquiring about how to respond if questioned by the mafia regarding the targets. Yousef suggested that the targets could include Trump, Biden, or Haley, emphasizing the broad scope of the threat. Grassley expressed concern over the need for federal agencies to maintain public trust and transparency regarding their protective missions. He vowed to continue seeking answers to ensure that Congress and the public are informed about such serious threats. The FBI, however, criticized Grassley’s release of the documents, stating that it jeopardizes ongoing national security investigations and could endanger lives. The agency underscored the importance of discretion in handling sensitive information, especially concerning adversaries like Iran, and reiterated its commitment to thorough investigations to safeguard American citizens.