Hadi Matar, 26, of Fairview, New Jersey, was arraigned today in federal court on charges of attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and providing material support to terrorists.
“We allege that in attempting to murder Salman Rushdie in New York in 2022, Hadi Matar committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hizballah, a designated terrorist organization aligned with the Iranian regime,” stated Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will prosecute those who perpetrate violence in the name of terrorist groups and undermine the basic freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.”
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FBI Director Christopher Wray commented, “The defendant attempted to carry out a fatwa endorsed by Hizballah that called for the death of Salman Rushdie — a fatwa issued in 1989 by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini. Violence directed at Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights will never be tolerated. The FBI will work with our partners to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence.”
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York added, “This defendant put time and effort into traveling to the Western District of New York with the intent of taking the life of another. Only because of the brave efforts of those who were present that day, the defendant was prevented from completing his murderous intention. This indictment is a result of the collaborative efforts of our investigative partners in law enforcement, which is one step towards ensuring that the defendant be held accountable for his actions.”
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According to court documents and government statements, Matar attempted to provide material support and resources to Hizballah between September 2020 and August 2022 by attempting to carry out a fatwa calling for the execution of Salman Rushdie.
The indictment alleges that Matar was motivated, in part, by a 2006 speech by Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, endorsing the fatwa originally issued in 1989.
If convicted, Matar faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The FBI is investigating the case.
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