Access articles from across Canada with one account. Try refreshing your browser, or Rushdie assailant convicted of terrorism charges: U.S. Justice Department Back to video We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or Play VideoArticle content Matar was also convicted of supporting the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah after investigators found materials from the organization at his home. “His brutal attack on Mr. Rushdie during a peaceful speaking event is a chilling reminder of the global reach of Iranian terrorism,” DiGiacomo said. In 2026, Rushdie said violence is the tool of “the unscrupulous using the ignorant” to attack culture.