In a shocking development, a 46-year-old Pakistani national, identified as Asif Merchant, has been arrested and charged with plotting a murder-for-hire scheme targeting US government officials and politicians, according to recently unsealed charging documents. The arrest came after an extensive investigation conducted by US intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

According to multiple sources familiar with the investigation, Merchant's alleged plan included targeting a wide range of current and former government officials, spanning across the political spectrum. Notably, former President and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump was among the intended targets.

Intelligence regarding Merchant's plot played a significant role in prompting the US Secret Service to ramp up security measures for the former president in recent weeks, sources revealed. However, there is no indication that his plan of attack is connected to the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Law enforcement authorities were able to intercept and foil the alleged plot before any harm could be inflicted. A statement from a law enforcement official assured the public that there is no evidence linking Merchant to the shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Investigations by US intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been ongoing for several years, with a focus on threats originating from Iran. Threat streams from Iran against politicians and government officials have been a matter of concern since the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani during the Trump administration. Notably, former national security adviser John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have also received threats from the Iranian government, although they are not mentioned in the court documents related to Merchant's case.

The alleged planning by Merchant commenced in April when he flew to the US with the intention of recruiting individuals to assist in his plot to assassinate US government officials. Court documents state that Merchant later met with an unnamed co-conspirator-turned-FBI-informant in New York and began divulging his plans. During subsequent meetings in June, Merchant allegedly made gestures and comments indicative of his intentions, including a chilling "finger gun" motion.

The plot reportedly involved stealing documents or USB drives from an unnamed target's home, planning a protest as a diversion, and ultimately executing the assassination. Merchant allegedly stated that the targets would be individuals who he believed were causing harm to Pakistan and the Muslim world.

Court papers revealed that Merchant even drew out the plan on a napkin in his hotel room and assured the informant of heightened security around the intended target. The investigation led Merchant to interact with undercover agents whom he believed to be hitmen, even developing a coded language to discuss the plot covertly.

On June 21, Merchant traveled from Boston to New York to pay the supposed hitmen, handing over $5,000 in cash. He further discussed money laundering with the undercover agents, according to charging documents. Law enforcement officials arrested Merchant at his residence on July 12, just before he was set to leave the US.

These alarming developments have prompted Attorney General Merrick Garland to reiterate the Justice Department's commitment to countering Iran's retribution efforts against American government officials. Garland emphasized that the department will utilize all available resources to disrupt and hold accountable those involved in Iran's lethal plotting against Americans.

While the recent attempt on former President Trump's life has raised awareness about threats against public officials, investigators have found no evidence linking Merchant to the incident. The arrest highlights the continued vigilance of US intelligence and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding national security.

As the investigation continues, the focus will be on dismantling any potential networks or co-conspirators associated with Merchant's alleged plot, in order to ensure the safety of US government officials and the prevention of any further harm.