Rushdie's Attacker Sentenced to 25 Years; Federal Terrorism Trial to Follow

Hadi Matar, the man who stabbed author Salman Rushdie in 2022, was sentenced on May 16, 2025, to 25 years in prison. The attack, which took place during a lecture in Chautauqua Institution, New York, left Rushdie with severe injuries, including blindness in one eye. The sentencing follows Matar's conviction on charges of attempted murder and assault. However, the legal proceedings are not over for Matar. He is expected to face a separate federal trial on terrorism charges, focusing on the motive behind the attack. This case has drawn significant attention due to Rushdie's past controversies and the global implications of the attack. The 25-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and provides a measure of justice for Rushdie and his supporters. The upcoming federal trial will further explore the underlying motivations and potential broader context of this high-profile incident.