Written by Nathaniel Carter.
The recent attempts on a former president’s life mark an unprecedented moment in American history. In less than two months, two separate plots against Donald Trump surfaced, revealing a troubling trend that aligns with the ongoing weaponization of powerful institutions against him and his supporters. It appears that even international elements are being drawn into this unsettling narrative, suggesting that the FBI might be casting its net beyond U.S. borders in a troubling twist of events.
The Trump campaign recently disclosed a briefing from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, revealing “real and specific threats from Iran” aimed at Trump. This intelligence prompted an increase in Secret Service security measures prior to the July 13 assassination attempt, yet they were unable to prevent Thomas Matthew Crooks from firing at Trump, which tragically resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore and injuries to two other attendees. The fact that a foreign power may have a hand in such violence raises significant concerns about the state of security and the motivations behind these actions.
Insights from former intelligence officials underline the Iranian regime’s vested interest in eliminating Trump. Peter Theroux, a retired CIA officer with a history of working on Iranian issues, characterized the regime’s approach as one of “promiscuous assassins” who harbor deep animosity towards Trump. Their grievances are rooted in his administration’s sanctions, the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and, notably, his authorization of the 2020 assassination of Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking figure in Iran’s military. This series of events has led Iran to issue threats against not only Trump but also several officials from his administration.
An FBI Entrapment Scheme?
The most alarming twist in this saga involves the revelation that the FBI may have orchestrated the recent assassination plot. Last month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced charges against a Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran, implicated in a conspiracy to assassinate a politician or government official in the U.S. It soon became evident that Trump was the intended target of this scheme.
Asif Merchant, the suspect, entered the United States in April and was arrested on July 12, just before the planned July 13 rally in Pennsylvania. Reports indicate that the FBI facilitated Merchant’s entry into the country under the guise of providing a “significant public benefit.” Fox correspondent Bill Melugin disclosed that the FBI’s Dallas office sponsored Merchant’s entry, raising serious questions about the agency’s motivations. Did the FBI recruit him to develop a case against him, or was he merely a pawn in a larger game?
It’s worth noting that there is little evidence supporting the claim that the FBI had developed substantial intelligence on Merchant prior to his arrival. Instead, the prevailing narrative suggests that federal law enforcement may have imported a target for entrapment purposes. Steve Friend, a former FBI agent turned whistleblower, explained that the agency’s strategy typically involves identifying vulnerable individuals, establishing false relationships, and enticing them into committing acts they would not otherwise consider. The implications of this tactic are troubling, as it raises questions about the agency’s role in potentially inciting violence rather than preventing it.
The Efficacy of the FBI’s Tactics
Despite the claims of a sophisticated operation, the evidence presented in the case against Merchant is remarkably flimsy. The arrest affidavit details his use of coded language and multiple cell phones, but as Friend pointed out, these actions are hardly indicative of a professional operative. Instead, they suggest a level of incompetence more akin to a corner drug dealer than a seasoned terrorist.
Moreover, there are significant gaps in the connections drawn between Merchant and the Iranian regime. While he had family ties in Iran, the affidavit fails to establish any concrete evidence linking him to the Iranian government or its clandestine operations. Instead, it seems to rely on the presumption that merely being from Pakistan or having connections to Iran constitutes a valid reason for suspicion.
Furthermore, the financial aspects of the plot raise eyebrows. While previous Iranian operatives offered substantial sums for assassinations, Merchant proposed a mere $5,000, which he didn’t even have readily available. He reportedly needed to arrange for funds to be sent from abroad, further diminishing the credibility of the entire operation. Such details call into question the legitimacy of the FBI’s claims regarding Merchant’s intentions and capabilities.
Our Take
This latest chapter in the FBI’s handling of national security threats raises serious concerns about the agency’s methods and the implications for public safety. The notion that federal law enforcement would actively facilitate the entry of a potential assassin under the pretense of intelligence-gathering is not only reckless but potentially dangerous. It casts doubt on the FBI’s commitment to protecting citizens and highlights a worrying trend of prioritizing statistics over genuine security measures.
In pursuing this entrapment strategy, the FBI risks fostering a climate of fear and mistrust, particularly among those who are already vulnerable. The implications extend beyond Trump and his supporters; they touch on the broader concerns regarding governmental overreach and the potential for misuse of power. The time has come for a thorough examination of the FBI’s practices and a commitment to ensuring that public safety remains the foremost priority.