On August 12, 2022, the tranquil setting of the Chautauqua Institution in New York was shattered when acclaimed author Salman Rushdie was brutally attacked on stage. As he prepared to speak about the importance of protecting writers, a man rushed the stage and stabbed him multiple times. The attack left Rushdie blind in one eye and caused severe injuries to his liver and hand.
The assailant, 27-year-old Hadi Matar from New Jersey, was subdued by audience members and arrested at the scene. This week, Matar was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted murder, plus an additional seven years for assaulting event moderator Henry Reese. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Rushdie’s Courageous Testimony
During the trial, Rushdie provided a harrowing account of the attack. He described the assailant’s “dark, ferocious eyes” and the moment he realized he was bleeding profusely. “It occurred to me quite clearly that I was dying,” Rushdie testified. He recounted being stabbed 15 times, including in the eye, neck, and chest. His injuries required emergency surgery and a prolonged recovery period.
Rushdie later detailed his experience in his memoir, “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder,” offering insight into his physical and emotional healing process.
The Attacker’s Motive
Matar, who holds dual U.S. and Lebanese citizenship, admitted to attacking Rushdie because he believed the author had “attacked Islam.” He claimed to have been inspired by a 2006 speech from Hezbollah’s then-leader, Hassan Nasrallah, which supported the fatwa against Rushdie for his 1988 novel, “The Satanic Verses.” Despite this, Matar admitted to having read only a few pages of the book.
During the trial, Matar showed no remorse, instead criticizing Rushdie and accusing him of hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech. He faces separate federal terrorism-related charges, including attempting to support Hezbollah.
Community Response and Aftermath
The attack sent shockwaves through the literary community and beyond. Rushdie, who had lived under threat since the 1989 fatwa, had begun to feel safer in recent years. The assault was a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who challenge oppressive ideologies.
District Attorney Jason Schmidt praised the swift action of audience members who intervened during the attack, stating, “The Chautauqua Institution community… saved Mr. Rushdie’s life when they intervened.”
A Testament to Resilience
Despite the physical and emotional scars, Rushdie has continued to write and speak out. His resilience serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the importance of defending free expression.
As Rushdie moves forward, his story remains a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who dare to speak their truth—and the unwavering courage required to do so.
