Buffalo Man Faces Federal Charge for Supporting Terrorist Group Following Attack on Salman Rushdie

In a significant legal development related to the severe stabbing of acclaimed author Salman Rushdie, Hadi Matar has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly providing material support to Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon and supported by Iran. This indictment marks a crucial escalation in the legal proceedings against Matar, who previously faced state-level charges for his brutal attack on Rushdie in August 2022.

Federal Charge Details

On Wednesday, the U.S. District Court in Buffalo unsealed the indictment against Matar, accusing him of aiding Hezbollah. Although the indictment outlines the charge, it does not specify the evidence linking Matar to the terrorist organization. This federal charge represents a significant development in the case, adding a layer of complexity to the existing state-level charges.

The indictment follows Matar’s recent refusal of a plea deal offered by state prosecutors in Chautauqua County Court. The proposed plea deal included a recommendation for a reduced prison sentence in exchange for a guilty plea to charges of attempted murder and assault, as well as a federal terrorism-related charge. However, the deal did not address the new federal charge that has now been filed.

Legal Proceedings and Trial Schedule

With Matar declining the plea agreement, the legal process will proceed through separate trials for the state and federal cases. Jury selection for the state case, where Matar faces charges of attempted murder and assault, is set to begin on October 15. Matar's defense attorney, Nathaniel Barone, has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the latest developments in the case.

Background on the Attack and Rushdie’s Recovery

The attack on Salman Rushdie occurred on August 12, 2022, at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York. During the lecture, Matar allegedly attacked Rushdie with a knife, stabbing him multiple times. The brutal assault resulted in severe injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye. Henry Reese, the event moderator, was also injured in the attack.

Rushdie, who had previously been the target of death threats following a fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989 over his novel *The Satanic Verses*, had spent years in hiding. He reemerged in the late 1990s. In April 2024, Rushdie published a memoir detailing his harrowing experience and the extensive recovery process, highlighting ongoing concerns about his safety and the adequacy of security measures.

Matar’s Background and Behavioral Changes

Matar, a U.S. citizen with dual nationality from Lebanon, was living in New Jersey prior to the attack. Reports indicate that Matar exhibited significant changes in behavior after a visit to Lebanon in 2018. His mother has noted that Matar became increasingly withdrawn and agitated, raising questions about potential influences and motivations behind his actions.

Previous Incidents and Security Considerations

The attack on Rushdie has sparked renewed discussions about security measures for individuals facing similar threats. Despite the presence of a state police trooper and a county sheriff’s deputy at the event, the attack occurred. The incident has also revisited past violent episodes linked to *The Satanic Verses*, including the 1991 stabbing death of a Japanese translator and attacks on other translators and publishers.

Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications

The investigation continues to examine whether Matar acted alone or in collaboration with militant or religious groups. The new federal charge adds further complexity to the case, emphasizing the broader implications for international terrorism and security concerns.

As the legal proceedings advance, attention will remain focused on unraveling the full extent of Matar’s affiliations and motivations, as well as assessing the impact on Rushdie’s ongoing recovery and public safety considerations.