Salman Rushdie’s Attacker Found Guilty of Stabbing Him Multiple Times and Leaving Him Blind in One Eye

Salman Rushdie Attacker, Hadi Matar, Found Guilty of Attempted Murder

Hadi Matar, the individual responsible for the brutal stabbing of renowned author Salman Rushdie, has been convicted of attempted murder and assault following a frenzied attack that occurred in 2022. The incident took place at a literary festival in western New York, where Rushdie was scheduled to speak. Matar, 27 at the time of the attack, stormed the stage and inflicted multiple stab wounds on Rushdie, leaving him severely injured and permanently blind in one eye.

The verdict was reached after a jury deliberated for approximately two hours on Friday, February 21st. Matar now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years for his violent actions against the 77-year-old author. Rushdie spent 17 days in the hospital recovering from the attack, during which he lost his sight in one eye and the use of his right hand.

Describing the harrowing ordeal, Rushdie testified that he was caught off guard as Matar rushed at him, striking him numerous times with a knife. Recounting the traumatic experience, Rushdie revealed the terror he felt as he found himself in a pool of blood, struggling to defend himself against the relentless assault. He expressed deep fear and concern for his life, as he believed he was facing imminent death during the attack.

The trial, which commenced in Mayville on February 10th, heard accounts of the horrifying events that transpired in front of a crowd of approximately 1,000 people. The prosecutor detailed how Matar, wearing a mask, swiftly approached Rushdie on stage, repeatedly stabbing him with malicious intent. The viciousness of the attack left Rushdie with life-altering injuries and psychological trauma.

This tragic incident marks a dark chapter in Rushdie’s life, who has experienced death threats spanning back to 1989, following the publication of his controversial novel, The Satanic Verses. The book’s release led to a fatwa issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, prompting Rushdie to live in hiding until the late 1990s. Despite numerous threats and attempts on his life, Rushdie has remained a steadfast advocate for freedom of speech and expression.

In his 2024 memoir, “Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder,” Rushdie reflects on the profound impact of the attack on his life and his unwavering commitment to championing artistic freedom. The author’s resilience and courage in the face of adversity serve as a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to his craft.

The guilty verdict against Hadi Matar brings a sense of closure to this traumatic chapter in Salman Rushdie’s life, offering a semblance of justice for the heinous crime committed against him. As Rushdie continues to heal from the physical and emotional scars of the attack, his bravery and resilience serve as an inspiration to all who value the power of literature and the enduring pursuit of creative expression.