Federal Charges Filed Against Salman Rushdie's Attacker

Hadi Matar, the man accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie during a speaking event in upstate New York in August 2022, now faces federal terrorism charges following an indictment unsealed on Wednesday. The grand jury has charged Matar with three counts, including attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and engaging in terrorism. The indictment details Matar's alleged intent to kill and maim Rushdie, highlighting the severity of the attack. The indictment also includes a charge of terrorism that transcends national boundaries, emphasizing the international implications of Matar's actions. The attack occurred at the Chautauqua Institution, where Rushdie was speaking, and resulted in serious injuries to the author, who has since lost sight in his right eye. Matar has not yet entered a plea regarding the federal charges, while he has pleaded not guilty to two state charges of second-degree attempted murder and assault. In a plea deal, Matar could face a 20-year sentence for the state charge, reduced from a maximum of 25 years, contingent upon a guilty plea. Federal and state prosecutors have agreed on this sentence, with the understanding that Matar would also plead to a federal charge, potentially adding another 10 to 20 years in prison. Matar, who was 24 at the time of the attack, remains in custody as the trial date has been postponed to October. Rushdie has recounted his harrowing experience in his new book, "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder," shedding light on the personal impact of the attack.