Mayville, New York – A shocking and disturbing incident took place on Friday as a New Jersey man was convicted of attempted murder for stabbing renowned author Salman Rushdie multiple times on a New York lecture stage in 2022. The incident, which left Rushdie blind in one eye, has left the literary world in shock and disbelief.
After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury also found 27-year-old Hadi Matar guilty of assault for wounding a man who was on stage with Rushdie at the time of the attack. The incident took place at the Chautauqua Institution on August 12, 2022, where Rushdie was scheduled to speak. Matar ran onto the stage and stabbed Rushdie more than a dozen times in front of a live audience.
During the seven days of testimony, Rushdie himself took the stand as the key witness, describing in graphic detail the life-threatening injuries he sustained and the long and painful recovery process that followed. The attack was unprovoked and targeted, leaving no doubt that Matar’s intentions were to harm Rushdie.
As the verdict was delivered, Matar showed no visible reaction and was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. However, before leaving, he quietly uttered, “Free Palestine,” echoing comments he has frequently made while entering and leaving the trial. His public defender, Nathaniel Barone, stated that Matar was disappointed but prepared for the verdict.
District Attorney Jason Schmidt played a slow-motion video of the attack for the jury during his closing argument, highlighting Matar’s actions as he emerged from the audience, walked up a staircase to the stage, and ran towards Rushdie. Schmidt emphasized the unprovoked and targeted nature of the attack, stating that there were many people present that day, but Matar had singled out Rushdie.
On the other hand, Matar’s defense argued that the prosecution had not proven his intent to kill Rushdie, which is crucial for an attempted murder conviction. They pointed out that Matar had knives with him but no gun or bomb, and Rushdie’s heart and lungs were uninjured, suggesting that the injuries were not life-threatening.
However, Schmidt countered this argument by stating that while it is impossible to read Matar’s mind, it is foreseeable that stabbing someone multiple times in the face and neck would result in a fatality. He reminded the jury of the testimony of a trauma surgeon who stated that Rushdie’s injuries would have been fatal without quick treatment.
The video footage also captured the gasps and screams of the audience members as Matar approached Rushdie from behind and stabbed him in the torso. Rushdie can be seen raising his arms and trying to get away, but Matar continues to stab him until they both fall to the ground. The audience members rush in to separate them, and Rushdie is seen flailing on the ground, covered in blood.
The incident not only left Rushdie with life-threatening injuries but also injured City of Asylum Pittsburgh founder Henry Reese, who was on stage with Rushdie. Reese suffered a gash to his forehead, leading to the assault charge against Matar.
The judge has set the sentencing for April 23, and Matar could face up to 25 years in prison for his heinous actions. The incident has sparked a debate about the safety of writers and the importance of protecting their freedom of speech. Rushdie, known for his controversial and thought-provoking works, has been a target of threats and violence in the past, but this attack has raised concerns about the increasing danger faced by writers.
The literary community has come together to show their support for Rushdie and to condemn the attack. Rushdie’s bravery in testifying and his determination to continue writing despite the physical and emotional trauma he has endured is commendable. His resilience and courage serve as an inspiration to all writers and artists who face threats and censorship.
The incident has also highlighted the need for stricter security measures at public events, especially those featuring controversial figures. The safety of individuals, especially those who use their voices to challenge societal norms and beliefs, must be a top priority.
As we await the sentencing of Hadi Matar, let us remember the importance of freedom of speech and the need to protect those who exercise it. The attack on Salman Rushdie is a reminder that we must continue to fight for the right to express ourselves without fear of violence or persecution. Let us hope that justice will be served
