Buffalo Man Faces Terrorism Charges in Salman Rushdie Attack
- Prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting that a New Jersey man attacked Salman Rushdie in an effort to carry out a fatwa issued against the author.
- This revelation marks the first time a potential motive for the assault has been discussed publicly.
- Rushdie has faced ongoing threats since the fatwa was issued decades ago, highlighting the continued impact of this controversy.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A man accused of severely injuring author Salman Rushdie in a knife attack has been charged with terrorism, as prosecutors revealed a potential motive linked to a Hezbollah leader's endorsement of a fatwa calling for Rushdie's death. The indictment, unsealed in U.S. District Court, includes three counts: terrorism transcending national boundaries, providing material support to terrorists, and attempting to support a terrorist organization. The defendant, Hadi Matar, has pleaded not guilty to these federal charges, which come in addition to state charges of attempted murder and assault. Matar's attorney, Nathaniel Barone, indicated that the federal case is expected to be more complex than the state charges, which primarily focus on the assault that occurred while Rushdie was preparing to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in August 2022. Barone emphasized Matar's intention to mount a vigorous defense, asserting his client's innocence. The attack also left event moderator Henry Reese injured, and both cases will proceed to trial separately. Rushdie has faced threats since the 1989 fatwa issued by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, which deemed his novel "The Satanic Verses" blasphemous. After years in hiding, Rushdie returned to public life in the late 1990s, but the recent attack has reignited concerns over his security. The investigation into the stabbing is examining whether Matar acted alone or in collaboration with militant groups, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by Rushdie and others associated with the controversial work.