Salman Rushdie, the author whose writing led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s, was stabbed Friday as he was about to give a lecture in western New York, authorities said. The 75-year-old author was stabbed at least once in the neck and once in the abdomen, officials said during a Friday evening press conference. His agent later said he has been placed on a ventilator and will likely lose an eye.
Hadi Matar, 24, of Fairview, New Jersey, was identified as the suspect in the stabbing, Major Eugene J. Staniszewski of the New York State Police told reporters. He had a pass to access the grounds, just like the others who were in the audience, officials said.
Matar was taken into custody by a state trooper assigned to the event, he added.
Rushdie’s agent said Friday night that the author is currently on a ventilator and cannot speak. He said Rushdie will likely lose an eye, adding that the nerves in his arm were “severed” and his liver was “stabbed and damaged.”
An Associated Press reporter witnessed a man storm the stage at the Chautauqua Institution and begin attacking Rushdie as he was being introduced. Rushdie was pushed or fell to the floor, and the man was restrained.
Rushdie was quickly surrounded by a small group of people who held up his legs, presumably to send more blood to his chest. Officials said a doctor who was in the audience helped care for Rushdie while they waited for EMTs to arrive.
Salman Rushdie remains hospitalized after the stabbing attack as the venue faces scrutiny over security. According to agents, he is currently on ventilation, hoping to make it through, however, he may lose an eye.
