Man Accused of Plotting to Kill Trump Says Iran Blackmailed Him

Asif Merchant claims the Iranian Revolutionary Guard forced him into a murder-for-hire scheme against Trump and other politicians.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A Pakistani businessman on trial in New York City for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley claims he was blackmailed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard into the murder-for-hire scheme. Asif Merchant told the court that the Iranian paramilitary group threatened his family in Tehran, forcing him to go along with the plot, which he said he knew would fail.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about foreign adversaries potentially attempting to target American political leaders, as well as the challenges of determining whether alleged plotters were acting under duress or coercion. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have denied any involvement in plots against U.S. politicians.

The details

Prosecutors have accused Merchant of coming to the U.S. in 2024 and looking for people he thought could steal documents, stage a protest as a distraction, and kill a 'political person.' He's accused of targeting Trump, Biden, and Haley. Merchant told the court he knew the plan would fail as soon as he landed in Houston and immigration officials searched his bags, but that the Revolutionary Guard was watching him and threatening his family in Tehran.

  • Merchant was arrested in July 2024 while attempting to leave the United States.
  • Merchant told the court he knew the plan would fail as soon as he landed in Houston, Texas in 2024.

The players

Asif Merchant

A Pakistani businessman on trial in New York City for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Iran's paramilitary force that Merchant claims blackmailed him into the murder-for-hire scheme.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was allegedly targeted in the plot.

Joe Biden

The former President of the United States who was allegedly targeted in the plot.

Nikki Haley

The former Governor of South Carolina who was allegedly targeted in the plot.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.