Sen. Chuck Grassley on Thursday released FBI documents showing that Iranian-backed plotters attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump and other prominent U.S. political figures in connection with the killing of Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani was the head of the Quds Force, part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The records, provided to Grassley through legally protected whistleblower disclosures, reveal that Iran potentially targeted “political, military or bureaucratic individuals,” including President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and former candidate Nikki Haley.
TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: GRASSLEY DEMANDS SECRET SERVICE TO RESPOND TO EXPLOSIVE CLAIMS IN BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE
“Bad actors are determined to wreak havoc on our country, and American political leaders from both parties are in their crosshairs,” Senator Grassley said in a statement. “In this extraordinarily heightened threat environment, federal agencies should focus on building public trust and reassuring the American people of their efforts to carry out their protective missions.”
“I will not stop pressing for answers until Congress and the American people have the transparency they deserve,” Grassley concluded.
Iranian Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani (C) attends Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's (not seen) meeting with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran, Iran, September 18, 2016. (Press office of Iran's supreme leader/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Asif Merchant, a native of Pakistan with ties to Iran, has been charged for his role in the murder plot. Merchant provided evidence to the FBI in a plea deal.
According to FBI records, Merchant believed he was involved in a murder-for-hire scheme that would offer him a share of $50,000 if he successfully completed the plan. In his interrogation, Merchant offered options to shoot former President Trump both indoors and outdoors.
BODYCAM FOOTAGE TAKES VIEWERS TO PENNSYLVANIA ROOFTOP MOMENTS AFTER TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
Merchant added that he could hit a target from close or far away, that a pistol would be best for indoors, but that otherwise a rifle was necessary. He believed he had a 50 percent chance of success, according to FBI records.
Asif Merchant communicated with Iran through English-language notes smuggled in packages to various members of his extended family.
Former U.S. President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks about the economy, inflation and manufacturing during a campaign event at Alro Steel on August 29, 2024 in Potterville, Michigan. Michigan is considered a key swing state in the upcoming November presidential election. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Some congressional Republicans have argued that the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in July was planned by foreign actors from Iran or Pakistan. Grassley’s office has been behind the release of local police body camera footage in Pennsylvania since the assassination attempt, demanding accountability from multiple agencies.
Grassley said a DHS-FBI briefing earlier this week “once again failed to provide full transparency, necessitating this letter and the public disclosure of the unclassified offer.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The FBI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
