Hadi Matar has been found guilty of second-degree attempted murder in the attack on celebrated author Salman Rushdie, a verdict that was delivered in a New York court on Thursday.

The incident occurred on August 12, 2022, during a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution, where Rushdie was scheduled to speak. Matar, 25, allegedly rushed the stage and stabbed Rushdie multiple times, leading to severe injuries. The attack prompted a swift response from law enforcement and medical personnel, who were able to transport Rushdie to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Throughout the trial, Matar maintained a defense of not guilty, claiming he was not the attacker, but the prosecution presented significant evidence that underscored his culpability in the incident. The court heard testimonies from witnesses who detailed the chaotic scene during and immediately after the assault. Additionally, investigators found that Matar had expressed admiration for individuals who had previously targeted Rushdie, suggesting a premeditated motive behind the attack.

In his closing arguments, the prosecutor stated, “Hadi Matar brought a knife to a peaceful event, intending to kill a man whose words he despised.” The defense argued that there was not enough evidence to prove Matar’s intent to kill or that he was the person responsible for the assault.

Rushdie, who has faced threats for decades since the publication of his novel “The Satanic Verses,” was notably absent from the trial. He has since recovered from his injuries but remains in a cautious and reflective state regarding his public engagements. His representatives released a statement expressing gratitude for the support he has received since the attack and underscoring the importance of freedom of expression.

The case has garnered significant media attention and has sparked discussions about free speech, safety for public figures, and the consequences of violence against artists and writers. In the wake of events surrounding the trial, many advocates for free expression have called for heightened measures to protect individuals in similar situations.

Matar now faces a sentencing hearing, scheduled for the coming weeks. He could receive a maximum of 25 years in prison for his conviction. The case has implications beyond the courtroom, drawing extensive commentary about the societal challenges posed by violent extremism and the ongoing issues related to freedom of speech in contemporary society.

As communities reflect on the events surrounding the attack and the subsequent trial, the verdict represents not just a legal conclusion but