Man who stabbed author Salman Rushdie sentenced to 25 years in prison

In 2022, a man was found guilty of attacking acclaimed British writer Salman Rushdie and received a 25-year prison sentence as the most severe punishment possible.

Hadi Matar, 27, was found guilty in February of attempted murder and assault in connection to the knife attack that left Rushdie blind in one eye. 

At the Chautauqua Institution, Rushdie, aged 77, was assaulted while on stage before giving a lecture. He was then flown by helicopter to a hospital in northwestern Pennsylvania, where he underwent treatment for almost three weeks.

The renowned author, known for his controversial 1988 book “The Satanic Verses” that sparked global outrage and led to a death threat from Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khamenei, sustained injuries to his liver, arm, and eye.

Matar was also sentenced to seven years, to be served concurrently, for the stabbing of another man who was on stage with Rushdie, according to The Associated Press.

“My first thought when I saw this murderous shape rushing towards me was: So, it’s you. Here you are,” Rushdie said. “It felt like something coming out of the distant past and trying to drag me back in time … back into that distant past in order to kill me.” 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

You May Also Like
Disney-Pixar's 'Elio' Was Originally Going to Be a 'Queer-Coded' Character Before Leadership Stepped In

Original Plan for Disney-Pixar’s Character ‘Elio’ Changed Due to Leadership Decision

New information reveals that the lead character in Disney/Pixar’s latest movie “Elio”…
‘The Running Man’ Trailer 2025 Explained: Is This Based On The Stephen King ‘Running Man’ Book Or The 1987 Movie?

Explanation of ‘The Running Man’ 2025 Trailer: Is it adapted from Stephen King’s book or the 1987 movie?

Run, run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch him,…
‘The Bear’s Liza Colón-Zayas (And Tina) Deserved Better From Season 4

Liza Colón-Zayas And Tina Deserved Better Treatment in Season 4 of The Bear

I lost track of how many times I thought about the phrase,…
DHS: Assaults on ICE now up nearly 700% over same time last year

The Department of Homeland Security reports a 700% increase in assaults on ICE agents compared to this time last year.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Department of Homeland…
New FBI alert: Lone wolf actor biggest threat to 4th of July festivities in New York, San Francisco: FBI, DHS bulletins

FBI and DHS Bulletins Warn of Lone Wolf Actor as Primary Threat to 4th of July Celebrations in New York and San Francisco

According to several intelligence bulletins obtained by ABC News, the primary threat…
Military-trained dad accused of killing daughters nears 3 weeks living in wilderness amid manhunt

Authorities struggle to find survivalist father as search intensifies: Emotions running high

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The search for the…
Israel releases conversations with Gaza residents amid criticisms of aid delivery system

Israel shares talks with Gaza locals amidst concerns about aid distribution process

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Israel’s Coordinator for Government…
Lindsay Lohan shares rare glimpse of son Luai in sweet snaps from Italy trip after revealing she wanted to give him a sibling

Lindsay Lohan’s Heartwarming Photos from Italy Trip Show Rare Moments with Son Luai, as She Expresses Desire for Another Child

Lindsay Lohan shared a glimpse of her son Luai in sweet snaps…
Chris Murphy Gives Full-Throated Endorsement to Democrat Chaos: 'We Are Going to Rise to This Moment'

Senator Chris Murphy Makes a Candid Comment on Democratic Socialist Mamdani and His Party

CNN’s Kasie Hunt asked Murphy about last week’s shocking upset in the…
Bryan Kohberger case: Surviving roommate saw Xana Kernodle on floor after encounter with masked intruder

Close friends of the victims in Idaho found a spooky sign before the tragic killings

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The college friends who…
4th of July fireworks: Chicago safety advocates warn of firework dangers ahead of holiday

Chicago safety advocates caution about firework hazards before the 4th of July parade

CHICAGO (WLS) — First responders and doctors in Chicago are warning about…
Students dub South Jersey Teacher the "World's Strongest Teacher"

Students name teacher from South Jersey the “Strongest Teacher in the World”

Bob Merkh, a 41-year-old social studies teacher at Upper Township Middle School…