‘I had to do this’: Suspect in assassination attempt scheme claims Iranians forced him to participate

Nikki Haley at the third Republican presidential primary debate in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (Video screenshot)

A suspect in a criminal case that alleges an assassination scheme against President Donald Trump and other federal officials is claiming that his family was “under threat” and he was forced to participate in attempts to recruit hitmen.

“My family was under threat, and I had to do this. I was not wanting to do this so willingly,” claimed Asif Merchant, 47, a Pakistani...