Alleged Rushdie attacker, awaiting trial in New York, could still face federal charges, lawyer says
The lawyer for the New Jersey man charged with stabbing author Salman Rushdie says he's in talks with prosecutors to try to resolve existing charges of attempted murder without a trial — as well as potential terrorism-related charges that could still be coming
MAYVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — The lawyer for the New Jersey man charged with stabbing author Salman Rushdie is in talks with county and federal prosecutors to try to resolve existing charges of attempted murder without a trial — as well as potential terrorism-related charges that could still be coming, he said Friday.
Hadi Matar, 26, has been held without bail since his 2022 arrest, immediately after allegedly attacking the internationally acclaimed writer in front of a stunned audience he was about to address at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York. Rushdie was blinded in one eye, and moderator Henry Reese also was wounded.
Matar pleaded not guilty to assault and attempted murder after being indicted by a Chautauqua County grand jury shortly after the attack.
The U.S. Justice Department continues to consider separate federal charges against Matar, though none have yet been filed, according to public defender Nathaniel Barone, who said he is in contact with federal prosecutors.
