2 months ago
Federal Jury Convicts Rushdie Attacker on Terrorism Charges
A man named Hadi Matar tried to kill famous writer Salman Rushdie in 2022.
He was caught and put in prison for trying to murder Rushdie.
A federal court said he was also helping a terrorist group called Hezbollah.
Because of that, he could get a life sentence.
Rushdie was badly hurt but survived.
The court will decide his final punishment in November.
A federal jury in Buffalo convicted Hadi Matar of three terrorism-related charges for the 2022 stabbing of Salman Rushdie.
Matar, already serving a 25‑year state sentence for attempted murder, faces a maximum life sentence at federal sentencing on Nov. 3.
Prosecutors said Matar spent over a year researching the 1989 Iranian fatwa and Hezbollah’s support before attacking Rushdie at the Chautauqua Institution.
The attack was deemed an act of terrorism supporting Hezbollah, a U.S.‑designated foreign terrorist organization.
Rushdie was stabbed 15 times, lost sight in one eye, and later chronicled the assault in his memoir “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder.”
- Who
- Hadi Matar, a 28‑year‑old U.S. citizen, and Salman Rushdie, a Booker Prize‑winning author
- What
- Matar was convicted of federal terrorism charges for stabbing Rushdie
- Where
- Chautauqua Institution, Mayville, New York
- When
- The attack occurred on August 12, 2022; the conviction was announced in 2025
- Why
- Matar was motivated by the 1989 Iranian fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death and had ties to Hezbollah
Key facts
- Defendant
- Hadi Matar
- Charges
- Attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah; terrorism; providing material support to terrorists
- Verdict
- Guilty on all counts
- Sentencing date
- November 3, 2025
- Current sentence
- 25 years in state prison; potential life in federal prison
- Attack date
- August 12, 2022
- Location of attack
- Chautauqua Institution, Mayville, New York
Quotes
US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York
U.S. Attorney overseeing the case
“"His brutal attack on Rushdie during a peaceful speaking event is a chilling reminder of the global reach of Iranian terrorism. With today’s verdict, justice has been done, and Matar will pay for his crimes," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg”
theprint.in
thestatesman.com
“"With today’s verdict, this assailant will pay the price of engaging in terrorism. The FBI and our partners are committed to bringing terrorists and all who support them to justice," said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division”
theprint.in
Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division
FBI Counterterrorism Division lead
“"His brutal attack on Rushdie during a peaceful speaking event is a chilling reminder of the global reach of Iranian terrorism. With today's verdict, justice has been done, and Matar will pay for his crimes"”
telegraphindia.com
“"With today's verdict, this assailant will pay the price of engaging in terrorism. The FBI and our partners are committed to bringing terrorists and all who support them to justice"”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Salman Rushdie’s attacker convicted on charges of federal terrorism
Salman Rushdie stabbing case: US jury convicts Hadi Matar on terrorism charges, prosecutors cite Hezbollah links
US jury convicts Salman Rushdie attacker Hadi Matar of terrorism, material support to Hezbollah
Man Who Stabbed Novelist Salman Rushdie Found Guilty of Federal Terrorism Charges
Salman Rushdie stabbing: Hadi Matar convicted on US federal terrorism charges, faces life sentence
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