News/Commentary

Author Salman Rushdie STABBED at lecture hall in New York — suspect apprehended

August 12, 2022 | | Print Article

UPDATE: Daily Mail reports that Rushdies was stabbed “up to 15 times” and “once in the neck.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that he is “alive” but specifics on his condition have not been released at this time.

Author Salman Rushdie, who found himself on the receiving end of a fatwa and subsequent death threats from Iran in the 1980s, was reportedly stabbed multiple times as he was preparing to give a lecture in New York.

Video from the horrifying attack shows the Chautauqua Institution lecture hall full of people trying to rush away from the site, likely fearing for their own safety.

Watch:

According to reports, a single assailant rushed the stage and assaulted Rushdie, causing him to bleed profusely. Several people could be seen rushing to the author’s aid, and the suspect was also restrained.

He has reportedly been arrested though it is unknown what kind of charges he will be facing.

Rushdie’s condition is currently not known, though he was seen on video being carried to a helicopter:

Rushdie’s book, ‘Satanic Verses’ is largely considered blasphemous by many Muslims and has been banned in the country of Iran since 1988. There is a $3 million bounty on the author’s head, which will reportedly go to whoever can kill him.

It is still unclear whether this was the motive for the New York attack.

Witnesses who were in the lecture hall to hear what Rushdie had to say spoke out about the attack.

“There was a huge security lapse. That somebody could get that close without any intervention was frightening,” said John Bulette.

“It’s very open, it’s very accessible, it’s a very relaxed environment, in my opinion something like this was just waiting to happen,” admitted 20-year-old Kyle Doershuk.

Rabbi Charles Savenor was also present, and claims the entire attack lasted for around 20 seconds.

“This guy ran onto the platform and started pounding on Mr. Rushdie. At first you’re like, “What’s going on?’” the Rabbi explained.

The Iranian embassy reportedly refused to “get involved” with the attack on the author.

Sierra Marlee
Latest posts by Sierra Marlee (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Latest Articles