Salman Rushdie Shares Harrowing Testimony Following Stabbing Attack

In his testimony, Salman Rushdie described the chilling moments of his stabbing incident two years ago, which left him profoundly injured and fearful for his life. This account comes as the trial of his alleged assailant, Hadi Matar, unfolds in a New York court.

Sir Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed British-Indian author, recently took the stand in a New York court to share his traumatic experience during a stabbing incident that occurred on August 12, 2022. Rushdie recounted how he believed he was dying in the wake of being attacked by 27-year-old Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty to assault and attempted murder charges. The proceedings are unfolding at a court located not far from the site of the attack at the Chautauqua Institution, where Rushdie was scheduled to speak on the topic of exiled writers in the U.S.

The attack marked a grim continuation of threats to Rushdie’s life stemming from the backlash to his 1988 novel, The Satanic Verses, which some religious groups deemed blasphemous. As he delivered his testimony, Rushdie described how, on that day, he initially perceived the assault to be a punch. The harrowing experience escalated swiftly as he suffered a series of stabbings that left him with wounds to his eye, neck, chest, and other areas of his body; ultimately it culminated in the loss of vision in his right eye.

During his account, Rushdie discussed the severe physical and emotional impact the incident had on him, illustrating the chaos and horror of the moment, as well as the life-threatening nature of his wounds. He conveyed the overwhelming fear he felt, stating that he thought he was "dying" as he lay bleeding on stage. Support from audience members who rushed to his aid is credited with saving his life as they subdued his attacker.

Responding to queries from the defense regarding his recollections of the traumatic event, Rushdie stated that while trauma can influence memory, he was certain of the details regarding his injuries, asserting that he was aware of the 15 wounds inflicted upon him. The trial continues with other witnesses expected to provide further testimony, including the surgeon who treated Rushdie and law enforcement officials involved in the response to the attack.