The federal terrorism trial of Hadi Matar the man accused of stabbing Salman Rushdie in 2026, has begun in Buffalo, New York. This trial follows Matar’s state-level conviction for attempted murder and assault, where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The federal case delves deeper into the alleged motives behind the attack, with prosecutors arguing that Matar acted out of loyalty to Iran and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

Rushdie, a Booker Prize-winning author and free-speech advocate, was severely injured in the attack, which left him blind in one eye. The trial aims to uncover the extent of Matar’s research and preparation leading up to the stabbing, as well as his alleged connections to extremist groups.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The stabbing occurred at the Chautauqua Institution an arts and intellectual retreat about 70 miles from Buffalo. Rushdie was about to discuss writer safety when Matar, wearing a medical mask, stormed the stage and repeatedly stabbed him. The attack was captured on video, showing a horrified audience rushing to subdue Matar until a state trooper arrived.

Rushdie, now 79, has spoken extensively about the attack and his recovery. In a 2026 interview, he described the experience as a close encounter with death that left a lasting impact. “The thing that happens when you get really a close-up look at death — that’s as close as you can get without actually doing the dance of death and heading off to nowhere — it stays with you,” he said. “There’s a shadow.”

Prosecutors’ Allegations

Prosecutors contend that Matar’s actions were driven by a desire to fulfill the 1989 fatwa issued by Iran’s late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which called for Rushdie’s death due to perceived blasphemy in his novel “The Satanic Verses.” They allege that Matar conducted extensive research on Rushdie’s whereabouts and activities, keeping notes and sticky reminders of his plans.

Evidence presented in court includes photos of Khomeini and his successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, found in Matar’s bedroom, as well as a Hezbollah-related T-shirt and a video about the fatwa on his computer. Prosecutors argue that Matar saw his actions as part of a jihad or holy war, and framed the killing as a duty to Hezbollah.

Defense’s Argument

Defense attorney Nathaniel Barone urged jurors to keep an open mind, arguing that the government does not fully understand Matar’s intent or state of mind. Matar has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including engaging in an act of transnational terrorism. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.

During his state court sentencing, Matar expressed his belief in free speech but criticized Rushdie as a “hypocrite” and a “bully.” He also spoke out in support of Palestinians, highlighting his complex political views. Born in the U.S. to Lebanese immigrants, Matar is a dual citizen of both countries. His mother has noted that he became moody and withdrawn after a trip to Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based.

The trial continues, with Rushdie expected to testify about the attack and its lasting effects on his life and career. The outcome of this trial will shed further light on the motives and connections behind one of the most high-profile attacks on a writer in recent history.