As of 5 p.m. on Friday, Salman Rushdie was still undergoing surgery after he was stabbed several hours earlier by an assailant who the authorities have identified as Hadi Matar, a man from New Jersey who is 24 years old. Matar allegedly attacked Rushdie.
Mr. Matar is said to have jumped onto the stage and attacked Mr. Rushdie, stabbing the 75-year-old author at least once in the neck and at least once in the abdomen, as stated by Major Eugene J. Staniszewski of the New York State Police.
After the stabbing, a doctor who was in the audience “immediately began first aid for Mr. Rushdie,” according to Major Staniszewski’s statement.
When asked about the stabbing, Michael Hill, the head of the Chautauqua Institution where it occurred, said that everyone must now confront “hate,” but that the organization will continue its work.
How Many Times Was Salman Rushdie Stabbed by Hadi Matar?
The Associated Press reports that a reporter witnessed Hadi Matar stab Salman Rushdie 10 to 15 times while delivering his speech.
He was stabbed multiple times in the neck and abdomen according to the reports.
Rushdie is likely to lose an eye and he also suffered a damage to the liver.
Salman Rushdie was either pushed or knocked unconscious, and the suspect was taken into custody.
The attacker, according to spectator Kathleen Jones, was wearing all-black clothing and a mask.
