Hadi Matar Faces Federal Terrorism Trial in Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
Hadi Matar, who was convicted of attempting to kill author Salman Rushdie in 2022, is now facing a federal terrorism trial in Buffalo, New York. The trial will explore the alleged motivations behind the stabbing, which occurred as Rushdie was…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 22, 2026 —
Hadi Matar, the individual convicted in the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie, is now set to stand trial on federal terrorism charges in Buffalo, New York. The upcoming trial is expected to delve into the alleged motivations behind the attack, which took place as Rushdie was preparing to deliver a lecture on writer safety.
Salman Rushdie sustained severe injuries during the assault, including the loss of an eye. He has since written about the experience of being attacked. It is anticipated that Rushdie will testify as part of the proceedings.
Matar is currently serving a sentence in state prison for the attack. In the federal case, he faces a potential life sentence. Prosecutors have alleged that Matar acted in a manner demonstrating loyalty to Iran and Hezbollah.
The incident occurred on August 12, 2022, when Matar, then 24 years old, rushed the stage at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York, attacking Rushdie and an interviewer, Ralph Henry Reese. Reese suffered minor injuries. Rushdie was airlifted to a hospital and underwent numerous surgeries for wounds to his neck, abdomen, arms, and face.
Matar was apprehended at the scene and subsequently charged by state authorities. He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault charges at his arraignment in May 2023. The details of his state conviction were not provided in the summary.
The federal indictment, which was unsealed later, outlines charges including providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors contend that Matar’s actions were motivated by a desire to avenge the perceived harms caused by Salman Rushdie’s writings, particularly “The Satanic Verses,” and in support of the fatwa issued by Iran’s former leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Details regarding the timeline for the federal trial, including a specific start date, were not provided. The federal court proceedings will run concurrently with his state sentence.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
