Rushdie Stabbing Attacker Convicted on Terrorism Charges Tied to Iran Fatwa

Federal jurors in Buffalo found Hadi Matar, 28, guilty on all counts for the 2022 stabbing of Salman Rushdie, including providing material support to Hezbollah, committing an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and aiding terrorists; prosecutors said the attack was sparked by Iran’s fatwa against Rushdie, though his defense argued he acted independently. Matar, who is already serving a 25-year state sentence for attempted murder, faces life in prison with sentencing set for November 3. The case centers on whether the fatwa's motivation qualifies as terrorism.