Hezbollah Connection: Unveiling the Motive Behind Salman Rushdie's Attack

Prosecutors have revealed that the man who attacked author Salman Rushdie in 2022 was motivated by a Hezbollah-endorsed fatwa. Hadi Matar, facing federal and state charges, believed the fatwa was backed by the militant group and its leader. The investigation delved into potential conspiracies and support for terrorism.

Prosecutors have disclosed that the man who severely injured author Salman Rushdie in a knife attack was driven by a fatwa endorsed by a Hezbollah leader. Announcing new terrorism charges, they detailed how Hadi Matar aimed to fulfill this call for Rushdie's death.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly mentioned that Matar, a U.S. citizen from New Jersey, believed the fatwa, which called for Rushdie's demise, was supported by the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah and was endorsed in a 2006 speech by its secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah.

Matar, already facing state charges of attempted murder and assault, pleaded not guilty to new federal terrorism charges. His attorney highlighted the complexity of the federal case, involving multiple agencies and international cooperation. Matar remains in custody, having been denied bail since the attack, which left Rushdie with severe injuries and lingering security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)