file photo Salman Rushdie
Fairview Man Convicted of Attempted Murder in 2022 Attack
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fairview NJ, Chautauqua County jury found Hadi Matar, a 27-year-old New Jersey man, guilty of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault for the 2022 stabbing attack on renowned author Salman Rushdie. The verdict, delivered in under two hours on Friday, could result in a 25-year prison sentence for Matar.
Details of the Guilty Verdict
During the court proceedings, Matar kept his head down as the jury foreperson read the guilty verdict. The charges combined carry a maximum 25-year sentence, with five years of post-release supervision.
“This entire community deserved justice, and I’m glad we were able to achieve that,” said Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt. “Mr. Matar came into this community as a visitor, and it’s my job to make sure he stays a resident of New York state for the next 25 years.”
Matar’s sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2025.
Defense Plans to Appeal
Matar’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Barone, expressed disappointment with the trial’s outcome, arguing that the case was overcharged due to Rushdie’s notoriety.
“We believe that the indictment was excessive. It should have been a lesser charge than attempted murder,” Barone said. He confirmed that the defense will file an appeal after sentencing to challenge aspects of the trial.
The 2022 Attack on Salman Rushdie
On August 12, 2022, Matar rushed the stage at the Chautauqua Institution amphitheater, stabbing Salman Rushdie, 77, and injuring entrepreneur Henry Reese, 75, who was on stage with him.
During the trial, the defense claimed there was no direct evidence that Matar intended to kill Rushdie, arguing that the prosecution was asking the jury to “assume his intent.”
However, prosecutors presented compelling video evidence of Matar’s actions. Schmidt emphasized that while Matar’s state of mind was unclear, the attack was “unprovoked and targeted.”
Federal Charges and Ongoing Investigations
Matar is also facing federal terrorism charges, including:
- Providing material support to Hezbollah
- Engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries
- Providing material support to terrorists
While Schmidt did not speculate on Matar’s motives, federal authorities continue to investigate potential connections to Iran’s 1989 fatwa against Rushdie.
Conclusion
With Matar’s conviction, the case has reached a significant legal milestone, but the investigation into the attack’s motives is ongoing. Salman Rushdie, who survived the brutal stabbing, continues to recover while the legal system moves toward sentencing Matar in April 2025.
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Just what I was thinking.