Pakistani Man Charged in Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other Politicians

A Pakistani man has been charged in an alleged plot to kill former President Donald Trump and other politicians. The plot reportedly originated from Iran.

A Pakistani man has been charged in an alleged plot to kill former President Donald Trump and other politicians, according to federal prosecutors.

The suspect, identified as Shahram Poursafi, 46, was arrested in California on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Pakistani Man Charged in Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other Politicians

According to the criminal complaint, Poursafi conspired with agents of the Iranian government to assassinate Trump and other targets, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Advisor John Bolton, and journalist Masih Alinejad.

The complaint alleges that Poursafi received $300,000 from Iranian agents to carry out the plot. He allegedly traveled to the United States in July 2022 to conduct surveillance on the targets.

Pakistani Man Charged in Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other Politicians

Poursafi is charged with conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, and money laundering.

The alleged plot was uncovered by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Pakistani Man Charged in Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other Politicians

"This plot is a serious threat to national security," said Matthew Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. "We will continue to work with our partners to disrupt and dismantle Iranian threats to the United States."

The Iranian government has denied involvement in the alleged plot.

"Iran has nothing to do with this," said Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. "This is a fabrication by the United States to justify its hostile policies towards Iran."

The charges against Poursafi come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. The two countries have been engaged in a long-running dispute over Iran's nuclear program.

The United States has also accused Iran of supporting terrorist groups and engaging in destabilizing activities in the Middle East.

The Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed severe sanctions on the country.

The Biden administration has expressed a willingness to return to the nuclear deal, but negotiations have stalled.

The alleged plot to assassinate Trump and other politicians is a reminder of the ongoing threats to national security.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are working to disrupt and dismantle these threats, but it is important for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.