Iran Targeted Trump, Harris Campaigns: FBI Records Reveal

Newly released FBI records show that Iran targeted former President Donald Trump and other prominent American political figures in relation to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Quds Force.

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa has released FBI records that provide chilling details about an Iranian-backed plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump and other prominent American political figures. The records, obtained through legally protected whistleblower disclosures, reveal that Iran potentially targeted "politicians, military people, or bureaucrats," including President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and former candidate Nikki Haley.

The plot was allegedly orchestrated by Asif Merchant, a native of Pakistan with ties to Iran. Merchant provided evidence to the FBI in a proffer agreement, confessing that he believed he was part of a kill-for-hire scheme that would offer him a cut of $50,000 for successful completion.

Iran Targeted Trump, Harris Campaigns: FBI Records Reveal

In his interrogation, Merchant provided options for shooting former President Trump at both indoor and outdoor speaking engagements, discussing the use of pistols and rifles depending on the situation. He believed he had about a 50% chance of success, according to the FBI records.

Merchant communicated with Iran via English-language notes smuggled in packages for different extended family members. The records do not provide specific dates or locations for the planned attacks, but they indicate that Iran was actively targeting American political leaders.

Iran Targeted Trump, Harris Campaigns: FBI Records Reveal

Senator Grassley expressed alarm at the findings, stating that "bad actors are determined to wreak havoc on our country, and American political leaders across both parties are sitting squarely in the crosshairs." He emphasized the need for federal agencies to focus on building up public trust and assuring the American people of their efforts to carry out their protective missions.

Grassley's office has been pressing for answers about the assassination attempt on President Trump in July, which some congressional Republicans have suggested was plotted by foreign actors. Grassley released bodycam footage from local police in Pennsylvania after the assassination attempt, demanding accountability from multiple agencies.

Iran Targeted Trump, Harris Campaigns: FBI Records Reveal

He said that a recent DHS-FBI briefing "yet again failed to provide full transparency," necessitating the public disclosure of the unclassified proffer.

The FBI responded to the release of the records by stating that it does not comment on documents allegedly disclosed without authorization. The agency warned that public disclosure about sensitive, ongoing national security investigations and potential cooperation from subjects is irresponsible and undermines the FBI's ability to conduct thorough investigations.

Experts in national security and counterterrorism have expressed concern about the findings, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran and the need for vigilance in protecting American political leaders. They have called for a thorough investigation and appropriate action to deter future attempts to target American officials.