Hadi Matar Faces Federal Terrorism Charges

Hadi Matar, the man accused of attacking author Salman Rushdie, now faces federal terrorism charges, including providing material support to Hezbollah and committing acts of terrorism. The indictment unsealed in Buffalo, New York, charges Matar with three counts related to his alleged support for the militant group, although no specific evidence tying him to Hezbollah has been detailed. Matar, who has pleaded not guilty to state charges of attempted murder and assault, rejected a plea deal that would have shortened his sentence. He remains jailed and is expected to be arraigned later today. The charges come nearly two years after Matar's knife attack on Rushdie, which left the author severely injured. Matar's attorney has stated his client plans to plead not guilty to the new federal charges.