CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. (AP - Modified) — Salman Rushdie, the author whose writing led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s, was attacked Friday as he was about to give a lecture in Western New York.
An Associated Press reporter witnessed a man storm the stage at the Chautauqua Institution and begin punching or stabbing Rushdie as he was being introduced. The 75-year-old author was pushed or fell to the floor, and the man was restrained.
New York State police announced an investigation into the attack. Police said around 11 a.m. a male suspect, identified as 24-year-old Hadi Matar of Fairview, NJ, ran onto the stage and attacked Rushdie and 73-year-old Ralph Henry Reese.
According to police, Chautauqua Institution staff and audience members rushed Matar and took him to the ground. A trooper then took him into custody with assistance from a Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputy.
Police said Rushdie was stabbed at least once in the neck and at least once in the abdomen. He was provided medical treatment by a doctor who was in the audience until EMS arrived, he was then airlifted to a hospital in Erie, PA. His condition is not known at this time. Reese was transported to a local hospital to be treated for a facial injury and released.
NYSP is being assisted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office and FBI in the investigation.
The Chautauqua County District Attorney will determine appropriate charges as the investigation continues and the condition of Rushdie is known.
The Chautauqua Institution released the following statement Friday afternoon:
"Chautauqua Institution is currently coordinating with law enforcement and emergency officials on a public response following today's attack of Salman Rushdie on the Chautauqua Amphitheater stage. We will provide more details as we know them."
Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel released the following statement:
"On behalf of all Chautauqua County residents, I extend my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Salman Rushdie.
The small tranquil community of the Chautauqua Institution has been shaken to its core by an act of violence, which has reverberated across Chautauqua County and Western New York. It is disappointing that we live in a society where we cannot listen to the differences of others, especially in a place like the Institution where thinkers and problem solvers from around the world come to share their stories.
I thank all of the emergency and law enforcement agencies who have done a tremendous job in responding to this horrific event. It is through their quick response that they were able to mitigate the situation and capture the alleged assailant."
Rushdie's book “The Satanic Verses” has been banned in Iran since 1988, as many Muslims consider it to be blasphemous. A year later, Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, or edict, calling for Rushdie’s death.
A bounty of over $3 million has also been offered for anyone who kills Rushdie.
Iran’s government has long since distanced itself from Khomeini’s decree, but anti-Rushdie sentiment has lingered. In 2012, a semi-official Iranian religious foundation raised the bounty for Rushdie from $2.8 million to $3.3 million.
Rushdie dismissed that threat at the time, saying there was “no evidence” of people being interested in the reward.
That year, Rushdie published a memoir, “Joseph Anton,” about the fatwa. The title came from the pseudonym Rushdie had used while in hiding.
Rushdie rose to prominence with his Booker Prize-winning 1981 novel “Midnight’s Children,” but his name became known around the world after “The Satanic Verses.”
The Chautauqua Institution, about 55 miles southwest of Buffalo in a rural corner of New York, is known for its summertime lecture series. Rushdie has spoken there before.
The Chautauqua Institute tweeted Saturday morning:
"As we continue to take time to reflect on yesterday's tragedy here at Chautauqua Institution and to give the community and staff time to restore and regroup, we have canceled the 2 p.m. Community Issues Forum and the 4 p.m. Chamber Music performance. At this time, Grounds access is limited to pass holders, those residing or renting on the grounds, and staff. Service workers need to visit the Ticket Office for credentialing. We ask for patience and understanding as we navigate this horrific event."
According to state police, 24-year-old Hadi Matar was arrested by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation on August 12. Officials say Matar was arraigned and remanded without bail at Chautauqua County Jail on August 13. Additionally, police say Matar pled not guilty to attempted murder and assault charges. This investigation is ongoing.
President Joe Biden released a statement on August 13 following the attack on Salman Rushdie:
Jill and I were shocked and saddened to learn of the vicious attack on Salman Rushdie yesterday in New York. We, together with all Americans and people around the world, are praying for his health and recovery. I am grateful to the first responders and the brave individuals who jumped into action to render aid to Rushdie and subdue the attacker. Salman Rushdie—with his insight into humanity, with his unmatched sense for story, with his refusal to be intimidated or silenced—stands for essential, universal ideals. Truth. Courage. Resilience. The ability to share ideas without fear. These are the building blocks of any free and open society. And today, we reaffirm our commitment to those deeply American values in solidarity with Rushdie and all those who stand for freedom of expression.
According to Salman Rushdie's agent, Andrew Wiley, Rushdie was taken off the ventilator on August 13 but is still recovering from severe injuries.
Zafar Rushdie, Salman Rushdie's son, tweeted Sunday morning:
"Following the attack on Friday, my father remains in critical condition in hospital receiving extensive ongoing medical treatment. We are extremely relieved that yesterday he was taken off the ventilator and additional oxygen and he was able to say a few words. Though his life changing injuries are severe, his usual feisty and defiant sense of humor remains intact. We are so grateful to all the audience members who bravely leapt to his defense and administered first aid along with the police and doctors who have cared for him and for the outpouring of love and support from around the world. We ask for continued patience and privacy as the family comes together at his bedside to support and help him through this time.
