Trump possible target of Pakistani national charged in murder-for-hire plot

• A Pakistani national with ties to Iran was charged in a foiled plot to assassinate U.S. government officials on American soil, the Department of Justice said.
• Former President Donald Trump was one of the potential targets of that plot, a senior law enforcement source told NBC News.

A Pakistani national with ties to Iran was charged in a foiled plot to assassinate U.S. government officials on American soil, the Department of Justice said Tuesday.

Former President Donald Trump was one of the potential targets of the plot by Asif Merchant, who was arrested before any attacks could be carried out, a senior law enforcement source told NBC News.

Trump was nearly killed at a presidential campaign rally last month, when a would-be assassin on a nearby rooftop fired at him while the Republican nominee was speaking onstage.

Law enforcement officials do not believe the alleged plot by Merchant is related to the assassination attempt against Trump at the rally in Pennsylvania, NBC reported.

This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.