CEUTA, Spain — A human tragedy unfolded as at least 18 migrants lost their lives while attempting to reach Ceuta, a Spanish territory, after thousands managed to breach borders and flood in from Morocco.
The situation escalated on Thursday and continued into the night, with Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE showing images of burnt-out vehicles along the Moroccan border, evidence of the clashes that had erupted there.
Rachid Sbihi, the leader of a local workers association representing Civil Guard officers, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis.” He noted that countless migrants, including many unaccompanied children, were left to find shelter in parks and on sidewalks, as others wandered through the city with nowhere to turn.
“The influx is ongoing. The reinforcements that have arrived are focused on aiding the injured and handling other humanitarian needs,” Sbihi explained. “It’s a scene of utter chaos.”
Tragically, among the 18 fatalities, many succumbed to drowning, while others were caught in a deadly stampede trying to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal beach—a popular urban spot near a border checkpoint adjoining Morocco.
Ahmed Karim, a 33-year old Moroccan, said he had crossed into Ceuta because of the lack of jobs in his country.
“Many people want to go to Europe, America, but they don’t have the opportunity,” Karim said.
On Friday morning, the waters near the border fence were littered with buoys as crowds of mostly young men were amassed near the crossing.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to join Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska in a visit to Ceuta on Friday morning.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said France would strengthen border checks with Spain, writing on X that he had activated the Rapid Intervention Border Force.
Video footage on Thursday showed throngs of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters onto local roads. While most appeared to be young men, there were also families with women and small children. Some migrants were also attempting to return to Morocco, according to a freelance photographer working for The Associated Press.
Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented on the crossings, and Morocco’s Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
It was not immediately clear what prompted so many people to cross to Ceuta.
Spain is a main point of arrival into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or an escape from violence in their home countries.
To reach Ceuta, located on the northern African coast, migrants often swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, covering about 3 miles (5 kilometers) to reach Spanish territory. Others attempt the crossing from the nearby town of Belyounech, where the distance is shorter.
Migrants from Morocco also attempted to cross into Melilla, Spain’s other territory at the tip of North Africa.
There was widespread chaos in Bni Nsar, the Moroccan town bordering the Spanish territory, where migrants clashed with police, throwing rocks and setting police vehicles ablaze, according to local media and rights groups. They reported injuries among security forces and the arrest of dozens of people attempting to cross.
Omar Naji of the local branch of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights, who regularly monitors migration attempts and helps families identify bodies, told the AP that attempts to cross into Melilla had already been recorded in recent weeks. However, the latest surge appeared to have been driven by the situation in Ceuta.
Like Ceuta, Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. Many Moroccans consider both cities to be occupied territory.
Migrants often try to enter Melilla by scaling the 19-foot (6-meter) fence separating the enclave from Morocco. In 2022, thousands of sub-Saharan migrants attempted to cross the border that way, and dozens died in one of the deadliest such incidents on the route.
The escalation at the frontier between Spain and Morocco comes after a surge in migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming, on Wednesday.
Ceuta authorities had previously linked the surge to a Spanish Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that barred authorities from immediately returning migrants who arrive by sea without due process. The ruling does not apply to migrants who enter Spain by land, including by climbing over the border fence.
But some activists in Morocco expressed doubt that the ruling was behind the surge, arguing most migrants would have been unaware of such legal decisions.
Juan Jesús Vivas, the head of Ceuta’s regional government, had called for the national government to declare an emergency on grounds of national security, asking for more police and for the army to be deployed on the border “to guarantee the inviolability of the frontier and citizen safety.”
He had warned that migrant reception centers were already overwhelmed on Wednesday, with hundreds of people sleeping on the streets. Thousands or even tens of thousands are believed to have arrived since then.
Spain’s Interior Ministry, which tracks irregular migration, would not confirm the number of migrants who had made it to Ceuta in the past few days but said it would publish its next migration report on Monday.
Legislation covering a declaration of national emergencies does not consider migration flows as a risk to national security, according to the ministry, which said government agencies are “coordinating to respond with speed and efficacy to the situation in Ceuta.”
Ceuta,
Jill Wagner Shines at Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness Season 3 Premiere: A Star’s Dazzling Return
Xny/star Max/Getty Images
While Jill Wagner is known for sporting military gear and a rugged brunette look in “Lioness,” she proved her fashion chops at the premiere of the show’s third season. Her stylish presence left a remarkable impression.
“Last night was unforgettable,” Wagner shared in her Instagram photo carousel, reflecting on the “Lioness” Season 3 premiere. Her outfit made a strong statement in a black and white Rasario dress that featured a sheer corset and dramatic puffed sleeves. The former Hallmark star was far from blending into the background, and her fans were equally dazzled. Commenting on her versatility, one fan exclaimed, “Wow, you’re stunning in both army fatigues and that dress!” Another admirer noted, “You really clean up well, Bobby!” While the dress got plenty of attention, many fans couldn’t help but rave about Wagner’s sleek updo, with one saying, “Though I adore your ‘Bobby’ hairstyle, these photos remind me of your stunning beauty!” Another added, “Your HAIR needs its own spotlight—STUNNING!”
Wagner’s supporters were charmed by her red carpet look, even if her usual style leans towards a more casual, farm-friendly wardrobe. Living on a farm means her days aren’t typically filled with glamorous moments, yet she hinted at embracing some glitz the morning of the premiere.
Jill Wagner loves dressing up when she can
Fans familiar with Jill Wagner’s online presence know her more for her relaxed, everyday attire at home with her husband, former ice hockey player David Lemanowicz, and their children. Nonetheless, those same fans likely caught her enthusiasm for a glamorous evening. Through a video on Facebook before the “Lioness” Season 3 event, she embraced her glamorous side—a big change from her childhood days spent on dirt bikes with her brother. Laughing, she recalled, “Now, give me a good pair of heels… I’m thrilled to enjoy a girly night out.”
In her post, Wagner acknowledged how rare it is to indulge in luxury attire. “I don’t get to dress up and enjoy the fancy life often… Living on a farm in a small town isn’t conducive to red carpet moments,” she admitted. The “Teen Wolf” actress playfully mentioned putting in effort for special outings with her husband. “Once in a while, it’s fun to pretend you’re younger for a night… until it’s 10 PM and you’re eager to go home and dive into bed.”
Well, we’re not sure if Wagner and Lemanowicz rushed to leave the premiere, but it certainly seemed like they had a blast (and for the record, even without heels, Wagner cut a dashing figure, too).
Spain Mobilizes Military After Migrant Surge Overwhelms Border Enclave, Resulting in 9 Deaths
In response to an overwhelming surge of migrants crossing into Ceuta from Morocco, Spain is deploying its military forces to this North African enclave. The move comes in light of a tragic incident where at least nine people lost their lives during the dangerous crossings, leading to a heightened security initiative.
The Spanish government has announced that the Armed Forces will bolster the efforts of the Civil Guard to regain control in Ceuta, as the local administration struggles to manage the influx. Both Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are slated to travel to Ceuta, highlighting Madrid’s urgent response to this escalating situation.
This influx represents one of the most significant waves of migrants since 2021, a time when over 8,000 individuals crossed into the Spanish territory over just two days, straining diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco.
“The chaos is unimaginable,” remarked Rachid Sbihi, the leader of an organization representing Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, in a conversation with The Associated Press. “Precise numbers are elusive, but we’re witnessing thousands making the crossing.”
After successfully crossing from Morocco, migrants celebrate as they head towards Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on Thursday. (AP)
Spain’s government delegation in Ceuta said at least nine people died Thursday, though officials did not immediately explain the circumstances. According to the AP, bodies were seen floating in the water as rescue and security operations continued.
Video from the area showed large groups of migrants entering Ceuta through the Tarajal border area, with many arriving by swimming around coastal barriers separating Morocco from Spanish territory. Most appeared to be young men, though families with women and children were also among those crossing.
Spanish security forces stand guard as people attempt to cross from the Moroccan town of Fnideq into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on July 30, 2026. Spain announced it would deploy its military after thousands of migrants surged into the territory. (AP Photo/undefined)
Spanish authorities said Morocco is cooperating with efforts to regain control of the border. Spain’s Interior Ministry said Moroccan police have intercepted numerous migrants attempting to cross and that both governments are working to return those who entered the territory illegally as quickly as possible.
Authorities have not identified a single cause for the sudden surge, though Ceuta officials have pointed to a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that limits the immediate return of migrants who arrive by sea without due process. Some migration advocates, however, questioned whether the ruling alone could explain the dramatic increase, arguing many migrants would likely have been unaware of the decision.
The crisis has reverberated beyond Spain. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend Italy’s participation in the Schengen open-border agreement with Spain, saying the move would be necessary “to defend our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Security forces stand guard along the border as people attempt to cross from the Moroccan town of Fnideq into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on July 30, 2026. Spain later announced it would deploy its military following the mass migrant surge. (AP Photo/undefined)
Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, has long been one of Europe’s most active migration flashpoints.
Migrants from across Africa regularly attempt to reach the enclave by swimming from Morocco or scaling the heavily fortified border fence in hopes of gaining entry into the European Union.
Spain’s Interior Ministry said nearly 3,000 migrants had entered Ceuta by land or sea this year through mid-July, before this week’s crossings dramatically increased those figures.
News Media has reached out to Spain’s Embassy in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security, the Center for Immigration Studies and the Migration Policy Institute for comment.
Lost Classic: 150-Year-Overdue Book Resurfaces from Fireplace to Australian Library
In a twist worthy of ancient Greek drama, a book on Greek antiquities has made its way back to an Australian public library an astounding 150 years past its due date. The tome, bearing scars from its years entombed within a bricked fireplace, was discovered water-damaged but fascinating.
The surprise return unfolded in the charming coastal town of Kiama. Local resident Ross Simmons stumbled upon the relic while renovating his home. Nestled within a tea crate that was part of a sealed-off fireplace, the book’s unlikely journey came to an end. This unexpected find was promptly returned to the Kiama Library, according to library manager Michelle Hudson.
“We’ve never witnessed anything quite this old being returned,” Hudson remarked on Thursday, her voice tinged with amazement.
Hudson noted that libraries often receive returns of items decades old when estates are cleared out, pointing out, “Usually, it’s something like 30 or 40 years overdue, but this is a whole other level.”
Ross Simmons shared with The Associated Press on Friday that he suspects the book might have been borrowed by his great-great-grandfather, John Simmons, who originally owned the house. This literary mystery adds a personal chapter to their family history.
“I’m making an assumption. He was in residence in the cottage around about that time and his children were probably too young,” Ross Simmons said.
The library opened in 1872, and the book, “Antiquities of Athens,” published in 1858, was marked as No. 506 in the library’s original collection of around 1,000 books. Hudson suspects the book was lost within a few years of the library opening.
The late return fine would be around 28,000 Australian dollars ($19,500), allowing for inflation, Hudson said. That was calculated on the British three pence-a-week overdue fee that was printed on the inside cover of the book, along with a list of rules that applied when the library opened.
But Hudson said the library’s records of borrowers in the 1870s had been lost. “Unfortunately, we have a missing link. There’s nothing in the book that tells us who the last borrower was,” Hudson said.
Library rules in the 1870s stated that a book had to be returned and an overdue debt paid before another book could be borrowed. “Maybe that’s why they never returned it to us,” Hudson said.
Antiquated rules of the day included that up to three books could be borrowed by households in which at least six members were “known to be able to read.” Proof of reading ability is no longer required to use today’s library.
In the 1870s, books were not lent to people who arrived at the library in a “state of intoxication.” Library users are now asked to leave if their behavior impacts others, but the rules are not specific about intoxication.
Ross Simmons said he had no idea why his English immigrant ancestor, who had also served as an alderman in Kiama’s municipal government, would not have returned the book.
He said he hadn’t been concerned by the prosect of being held liable by an angry librarian for his family’s debt.
“I’ve spent a lifetime dealing with irate customers and being irate with customers himself. Just stick to your guns and say do your worst,” the 77-year-old said.
The returned book will be displayed in the library’s local history collection.
“We’re not going to allow it to go back out again. We don’t want to wait another 150 years for this book to be returned,” Hudson said.
Netflix Faces $105M Suit Over Lost Nicolas Cage War Film
In a dramatic turn of events for the entertainment industry, a film producer has launched a $105 million lawsuit against Netflix. The legal action claims the streaming giant lost a hard drive containing a copy of an unreleased Nicolas Cage film, significantly hindering the producer’s ability to sell the movie.
Simon Afram, along with his company Op-Fortitude, detailed these allegations in a legal complaint filed last Thursday in California. As reported by the Daily Mail, Afram asserts that the hard drive, holding an unencrypted master version of the movie “Fortitude,” mysteriously vanished post-delivery to Netflix’s facilities.
The lawsuit outlines Netflix’s initial interest in reviewing the film, which was first expressed in December 2025 following the receipt of promotional materials. Amer’s legal team notes that the streaming service had requested a master copy of the film, devoid of encryption, by June of this year.
According to Afram’s claims, associate producer Daniel Haido personally delivered the unencrypted master copy of “Fortitude” to Netflix’s Los Angeles office on June 15, intending it purely for evaluation purposes.
The court document further explains that Netflix officials were given strict instructions to “ensure that it is deleted after the screening,” stipulating the handling protocol for the film’s sensitive content.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Netflix and Afram’s attorneys for comment.
Netflix has been sued for $105 million by a film producer who claims the streaming company lost a hard drive containing a copy of an unreleased Nicolas Cage movie, titled Fortitude, which impacted his ability to sell the movie; Cage is seen in May in NYC
A spokesperson for Netflix told the Daily Mail in a statement on Thursday: ‘Netflix disputes any claim that it bears the risk of loss for a film delivered without the proper industry-standard safeguards.
‘While we do not own the rights to Fortitude, we take content security seriously and have taken extra measures to support the filmmaker and his team. This includes conducting a thorough investigation and offering to monitor known piracy sites for any unauthorized distribution or sale.’
In a June 25 email, a Netflix executive allegedly informed Haido that the hard drive containing the movie had disappeared after ‘someone stole a good amount of drives from our office desks this past week,’ according to the filing.
Afram’s legal team said in the filing that ‘the film’s value depended in significant part on its exclusivity as an unreleased, first-to-market work,’ and ‘by losing control . . . Netflix destroyed that exclusivity and materially, if not completely, impaired the film’s marketability.
‘It is not fathomable that a sophisticated buyer would invest tens of millions of dollars to acquire the film – and tens of millions more to market it – while facing the constant risk that it could appear online to be viewed widely for free at any time,’ the complaint added.
Sources at Netflix told the Daily Mail that ‘it is standard practice for these films to be shared either via a secure password-protected link, or as a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) that is secured with what is known as a Key Delivery Message (KDM).’
‘These measures limit access and protect against unauthorized use or loss,’ they continued. ‘Unfortunately, the Fortitude producers elected to share an unencrypted DCP with us for screening.’
Lawyers for Afram claimed in the legal complaint that he had been operating in accordance with instructions from the streamer, as Netflix allegedly wrote, ‘If the DCP is encrypted, please have the keys open from the time the asset lands through EOD on 6/16.’
A spokesperson for Netflix told the Daily Mail in a statement Thursday, ‘Netflix disputes any claim that it bears the risk of loss for a film delivered without the proper industry-standard safeguards’; the Netflix building on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood is pictured in 2021
In a June 25 email, a Netflix executive allegedly informed associate producer Daniel Haido that a hard drive containing the film had disappeared after ‘someone stole a good amount of drives from our office desks this past week’; Cage is seen with his wife Riko Shibata in 2021
Netflix sources said that upon learning ‘that the DCP was missing,’ the company ‘notified appropriate parties including our internal security team and the Fortitude team.’
In the complaint, Afram said that the motion picture cost $45 million and took more than seven years to put together.
The movie’s storyline is inspired by a World War II mission conducted by Allied forces, Operation Fortitude, which involved ‘double agents in cooperation with the British Army and Allied Nations who set a trap against Adolf Hitler and his army,’ according to the court filing.
Fortitude, which was directed by Simon West, also stars Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley, Ron Perlman, Matthew Goode, Michael Sheen, Art Malik, Jordi Mollà, and Lukas Haas.
Children’s Commissioner Sounds Alarm: Preventing a New Stolen Generation Crisis Before Garma Address
Sue-Anne Hunter, a woman of Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung heritage, has issued a stark warning to Australia about the potential emergence of another Stolen Generation if government policies regarding Aboriginal children and families do not change.
A well-known advocate for Aboriginal families and children, Ms. Hunter expressed serious concerns about recent modifications to child protection laws in the Northern Territory. She cautioned that such changes could increase the number of Aboriginal children being taken from their families and placed into out-of-home care settings.
Speaking to NITV, she emphasized, “We anticipate these changes will negatively impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, leading to increasing numbers in out-of-home care.”
“This could potentially be the beginning of another Stolen Generation,” she cautioned.
Ms. Hunter’s remarks coincide with the commencement of the Garma Festival, which takes place on Yolngu Country at Gulkula in northeast Arnhem Land. It was here that she delivered the festival’s first keynote speech on Friday morning.
The festival, hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, brings together Indigenous leaders, community members, politicians and business representatives for discussions on culture, policy and the future of First Nations peoples.
Her address comes amid ongoing debate over the Northern Territory Government’s amendments to child protection legislation, which critics argue weaken safeguards designed to keep Aboriginal children connected to family, community and culture.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro is also speaking at Garma on Friday, with her government’s recent child protection reforms expected to remain a contentious issue.
Ms Hunter said the concerns raised during the parliamentary scrutiny process had not been adequately addressed.
“There were 120 submissions to the scrutiny committee, particularly on what would happen if they put those amendments through,” she said.
“But they weren’t listened to at all.”
‘The system does not listen to our children’
Ms Hunter said governments and service providers needed to fundamentally change the way they engaged with Aboriginal children, arguing too many decisions were being made about them without their voices being heard.
“The system does not listen to our children,” she said.
“I sit around tables all the time where people say, ‘This is what children want.’ When you ask them, ‘Have they asked the children?’ No. That is what adults want.”
Ms Hunter said part of her role was now focused on speaking directly with children and young people about their experiences and what they needed from the systems designed to support them.
“When we go in and ask the children what they want, they always say, ‘I want to feel safe. I want to feel safe.’ It’s that simple,” she said.
“They do not feel safe in these systems.”
She said Aboriginal children continued to be overrepresented in child protection and youth justice systems despite decades of inquiries and recommendations calling for change.
“The Aboriginal Child Placement Principle is not adhered to, or maybe it’s partly in legislation,” she said.
“The lesson came out of the Royal Commission into the Bringing Them Home report. We need to follow that lesson.”
Closing the Gap data shows need for urgent change
Ms Hunter’s comments follow the release of the latest Closing the Gap data, which highlighted ongoing challenges across several key areas, including out-of-home care, youth justice and suicide rates.
She said the figures showed governments needed to confront what was not working rather than continue with approaches that had failed Aboriginal communities.
“We’ve just seen the Closing the Gap data, which isn’t great, particularly out-of-home care, youth justice and suicide rates,” she said.
“It needs to be talked about more. It needs to be talked about what we’re doing wrong, so we can come up with solutions because obviously what we’re doing now isn’t working.”
“It’s getting worse. We’re here in the NT; it is getting worse, and people just aren’t listening.”
Ms Hunter said the solutions required governments to genuinely listen to Aboriginal communities and those with lived experience.
“The solutions are there,” she said. “We need to listen to the people who have the lived experience, and most importantly, we need to listen to our children.”
A warning rooted in history
The reference to a possible new Stolen Generation echoes the findings of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report, which documented the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by forced child removals under government policies.
The report made a series of recommendations aimed at preventing further separation of children from their families, culture and communities.
Ms Hunter said those lessons remained relevant today, arguing that maintaining connection to family, culture and community was essential to the wellbeing of Aboriginal children.
She said governments needed to move beyond consultation and ensure Aboriginal communities had a genuine role in shaping policies affecting their children.
“People have the answers,” she said. “But they need to be listened to.”
DCLM Daily Manna 31 July 2026 — Preparations for The Master
DCLM Daily Manna 31 July 2026 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Preparations for The Master
TOPIC: Preparations for The Master (DCLM Daily Manna 31 July 2026)
KEY VERSE: And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat – Luke 22:8
TEXT: Luke 22:7-12 (KJV)
7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:
One of the most enduring and longest placed dining tables in the world is in the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, India. The palace was built by Nawab Viqar-ul-Umra, and it was completed in 1894. The dining table was crafted with the finest materials available at that time. It is 108-foot-long and is designed to seat 101 guests. The table is part of the furniture still used today at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, which has been converted to a luxury hotel. It takes an uncommon table to entertain uncommon guests.
It was Passover time and for Jesus, it would be His last with His disciples. He wanted to celebrate it in an uncommon way. He instructed them to go and prepare a place for the feast, though, unknown to them, He had by divine power, already put arrangements in place. Getting the work done well will take their willingness, faith in His word and implicit obedience to His instructions for them to make a success of their assignment. Jesus sent Peter and John on this special assignment and wonderfully enough, on this occasion, Peter did not ask questions. He went as instructed and found the words of Jesus true to the letter.
There is nothing on earth that can take our Lord by surprise. John says Jesus “needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:25). He knew the houses and spaces available for Him. He knew the locations and available “large rooms” furnished to receive Him. But He did not take chances by keeping the guests wondering when he would come. He sent an advance party to get all things ready.
The Lord Jesus is coming back again and He wants you to be ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb. He has gone to prepare a place for the elect and He wants us to be watchful and prepared for the glorious occasion. Peter and John did not hesitate to carry out His plan to get the table for the feast ready. He has great expectations that you will carry out His instructions. Will you let Him down?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The Christian that fails to prepare for the coming glory will have a sad story.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Philippians 1-4
Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON
ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!
Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:
Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.
Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold
AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Salman Rushdie’s Attacker Convicted for Terrorism Ties
FBI says Michigan synagogue attack suspect was inspired by Hezbollah
Federal investigators have revealed that Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, the suspect in a violent attack on a Michigan synagogue, was driven by an association with Hezbollah. U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon emphasizes that referring to Ghazali as a ‘lone wolf’ is not accurate. Jonathan Schanzer, a former counterterrorism analyst, highlights Ghazali’s ties, including a familial connection to a brother who died while serving as a Hezbollah commander. Schanzer underscores the amplified terror threat, pointing out the critical need for vigilance among federal agencies in monitoring potential sleeper cells across the United States.
The man convicted for the brutal attack on author Salman Rushdie during an event in western New York has been found guilty of attempting to execute a decades-old fatwa issued by Iran’s government. The attack on the esteemed British author serves as a chilling reminder of the enduring shadow cast by this fatwa.
Hadi Matar, 28, was already serving a 25-year prison term after being convicted of attempted murder last year for his 2022 knife assault. This vicious incident left Rushdie severely injured, resulting in blindness in one eye and significant nerve damage.
A swift verdict from a federal jury in Buffalo on Wednesday concluded that Matar was guilty of all charges. The charges include attempting to offer material support to the Iran-affiliated Hezbollah, committing an act of international terrorism, and providing material assistance to terrorists, as reported by Reuters.
Matar now faces the potential of a life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for November 3, marking a significant conclusion to this high-profile case.
Hadi Matar, the man convicted of stabbing author Salman Rushdie, arrives for his sentencing hearing at the Chautauqua County Courthouse in Chautauqua, New York, on May 16, 2025. (Geoff Robins / AFP)
Federal prosecutors argued that Matar had been enraged by Rushdie’s 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses,” which portrayed a fictionalized version of Muhammad that many Muslims saw as blasphemous.
A year later, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, or a religious edict, urging Muslims across the world to kill Rushdie. Iran’s government later backed away from the fatwa, only for Khomeini’s successor, Ali Khamenei, to reaffirm it in 2017, Reuters reported, citing the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said Matar, who was born in the U.S. but has Lebanese citizenship, spent more than a year studying the fatwa before attempting to fulfill it. He had also turned to Islam after a visit to the Middle East years before the eventual attack.
On August 12, 2022, Rushdie was speaking at the Chautauqua Institution in Mayville, New York, when Matar rushed onstage and repeatedly stabbed the Indian-born author in the head, neck, torso and left hand.
Salman Rushdie with his Liberatum Cultural Honour award at Liberatum’s 25th anniversary celebration, at Town Hall in King’s Cross, north London, on July 8, 2026, (Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)
Matar’s federal trial weighed whether he had committed an act of terrorism by attacking Rushdie.
Although prosecutors acknowledged that Matar never contacted anyone in Hezbollah, they argued that without the fatwa, he never would have been motivated to try to kill Rushdie, The New York Times reported.
Prosecutors presented Matar’s notes to the jury, which referenced “Jihad” and the “need to kill him ASAP,” according to the Times.
Matar’s defense attorney, Nathaniel L. Barone II, argued that his client acted independently and was not being controlled by Hezbollah.
The Chautauqua Institution where Rushdie was attacked on August 12, 2022. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Prosecutors countered by showing evidence of Matar’s devotion to Hezbollah, which included a photo of him wearing a Hezbollah shirt while making a salute, an essay he wrote that praised the terrorist group and a video he created using remarks from a former leader of Hezbollah, the Times reported.
Timothy Lynch, a federal prosecutor, said in his closing statement that Matar “wanted to be forever revered as a Hezbollah martyr,” according to the Times.
People listen as writers gather to read selected works by British author Salman Rushdie, one week after he was stabbed while on stage, during a rally to show solidarity for free expression on Aug. 19, 2022. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
Rushdie, who testified at the trial, has previously described the attack as something that took him back to the “distant past,” when he spent a decade in hiding after the fatwa was issued.
“I saw the man in black running towards me, down the right-hand side of the seating area: black clothes, black face mask – he was coming in hard and low, a squat missile,” Rushdie told “60 Minutes” host Anderson Cooper in April 2024. “I confess, I had sometimes imagined my assassin rising up in some public forum or other and coming for me in this way.”