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A federal jury on Wednesday found Hadi Matar guilty on all charges related to the 2022 stabbing of acclaimed author Salman Rushdie, including a count of transnational terrorism. The verdict came after only a few hours of deliberation.
Rushdie, who was preparing to speak on the topic of writers’ safety, was attacked onstage at an amphitheater, suffering 15 stab wounds. The assault left him seriously injured and resulted in the loss of sight in his right eye.
Prosecutors argued that Matar was driven by the 1989 fatwa issued by Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which called for Rushdie’s death over his novel The Satanic Verses. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg described the attack as a stark reminder of Iranian terrorism’s global reach and affirmed that “justice has been done.” The Iranian government has denied any involvement in the incident.
During the trial, Matar’s defense attorney emphasized the lack of direct evidence regarding Matar’s intentions, noting that Matar himself declined to testify. Rushdie took the stand, describing the extent of his injuries but acknowledging he could not speak to Matar’s motives.
Matar, 28, is currently serving a 25-year sentence in New York state prison for attempted murder related to the stabbing. He faces sentencing on federal charges on November 3, potentially receiving a life sentence.
Salman Rushdie, an award-winning author originally from India, gained literary acclaim with his 1981 Booker Prize-winning novel Midnight’s Children. His 1988 novel The Satanic Verses sparked controversy for its portrayal of Islam, leading to widespread protests and violent incidents globally, including attacks on translators and publishers.
Despite going into hiding for years following the fatwa, Rushdie resumed a public life after Iran distanced itself from the edict in 1998. However, the fatwa was never officially lifted, and subsequent Iranian leaders have indicated it remains in effect. An Iranian foundation has even offered a bounty exceeding $3 million for his death.
Court evidence revealed that Matar communicated about the fatwa and his intent to attack Rushdie in messaging apps during 2021 and 2022. His messages expressed anger toward Rushdie and referenced extremist figures, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Matar, a U.S. and Lebanese citizen, displayed support for Hezbollah, classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Prosecutors detailed how Matar meticulously planned the attack over several months, tracking Rushdie’s whereabouts and public engagements. The stabbing occurred as Rushdie was being introduced at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. Audience members and a fellow speaker intervened to subdue Matar until law enforcement arrived.
Since the attack, Rushdie has published a memoir recounting the experience and returned to fiction with his 2023 novel The Eleventh Hour. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and received a lifetime achievement award from the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in 2023.
Federal sentencing for Matar is scheduled for November 3.