On August 6, federal authorities announced the arrest of Asif Merchant (pictured left), of Pakistan, for plotting to assassinate a U.S. government official. In April, after spending time in Iran, Merchant allegedly traveled to the U.S. to meet with a confidential source and, in June, met with undercover law enforcement officers in New York City whom he believed to be hitmen. During the meeting, Merchant advised the undercover officers of the three services he desired from them: document theft, arrange protests at political rallies, and kill a “political person.” He also specified that the “hitmen” would receive instructions using code words for the intended target after he left the U.S. During interactions, Merchant presented himself as the “representative” in the U.S., indicating that he worked for individuals outside of the country. According to the criminal complaint, Merchant demonstrated an “affinity for Iran.”

Analyst Comment: Since 2020, the U.S. intelligence community has tracked increased threats from Iran against former President Donald J. Trump and other associated government officials in retaliation for the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qassem Soleimani during his administration. Although unconfirmed, government officials believe that former President Trump may have been on Merchant’s list of intended political targets in this assassination plot. FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that the murder-for-hire plot is “straight out of the Iranian playbook.”

The arrest of ISIS-affiliated individuals in the U.S., and the group’s resurgence in operational activity and recruitment in west and central Asia, reinforces the threat ISIS poses to its regional neighbors and the U.S. and its western allies. In April 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray stated how “the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the [ISIS-Khorasan] (ISIS-K) attack we saw at the Russia concert hall” is of increasing concern.

The application period for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) and the Reproductive Health Security Grant Program (RHSGP) began July 15, 2024, and concludes September 30, 2024. NJOHSP, through its Grants Management Bureau, administers both programs. The NJ NSGP provides funding to eligible nonprofit organizations for target-hardening equipment and security services. The RHSGP provides funding to eligible reproductive health care facilities, licensed by the State of New Jersey and in good standing, that provide reproductive health care services and determined to be at a high risk of unlawful activity, including acts of violence, property damage, vandalism, harassment, etc. Recipients can use the funding to purchase security services, physical security equipment, preparedness training, emergency planning, and cybersecurity assets.

“See Something, Say Something” is a well-known phrase; however, how does an individual know what unusual or suspicious behavior to report? NJOHSP offers a 30-minute in-person presentation available to any organization explaining what “See Something, Say Something” means (what to look for and how to report it). First responders, volunteer organizations, community/civic groups, or employees can request a presentation by contacting the NJOHSP Intelligence Management Bureau at IntelMgt@njohsp.gov. Remember to call the local police department if ongoing unusual or suspicious activity is observed or call 911 in case of an emergency.

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