Rushdie's agent said that Rushdie was stabbed in the neck and abdomen while he was getting ready to give a speech.
Rushdie was flown to a hospital by helicopter on Friday and underwent surgery for several hours, according to his agent.
The news is not good according to the man. The nerves in his arm were severed and he may lose an eye.
Matar was arrested in relation to the attack. The New York Post reported that Matar had supported Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Shia extremists on social media.
One witness told the New York Times that people said Rushdie had a pulse. A witness told the Times that there was only one attacker. He had a black shirt on. He was running with lightening speed.
Rushdie's life has been in danger since 1989 when the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a fatwa against the author. His fourth novel was published in 1988 and included an unflattering depiction of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
The UK and Iran reestablished diplomatic relations in 1998 after the Iranian president stated that he would not support assassination operations on Rushdie.
A religious foundation in Iran has a bounty on Rushdie.
According to the New York Post, law enforcement sources said Matar had posted on social media in support of Iran and the Revolutionary Guard.
The New York State Police said they did not have a reason for Matar's actions.
Suzanne Nossel, the CEO of PEN America, said in a statement that Rushdie used to be the organization's president.
"PEN America is reeling from shock and horror at the news of a brutal, premeditated attack on our former President and stalwart ally, Salman Rushdie, who was stabbed multiple times while speaking at the Chautauqua Institute in upstate New York." We can't think of a similar attack on a writer in America.
On Friday morning, just hours before the attack, Salman had sent me an email to help with the placement of Ukrainian writers in need of safe refuge. Rushdie has been targeted for his words for a long time. He devotes a lot of his time to helping others who are vulnerable. While we don't know the origins or motives of this savage attack, all those who have met words with violence or called for the same are responsible for legitimizing this an assault on a writer while he was engaged in his essential work of connecting to readers. Our thoughts and feelings now lie with our sad friend, wishing him a quick recovery. She said that they hope and believe that his voice will not be silenced.
At a press conference held on Friday afternoon, New York governor Kathy Hochul assured reporters that Rushdie was getting the care he needs. She said that the state police officer who stood up and saved the man's life was the one who deserved the praise.
Increased aggression from the Iranian regime came into play when Rushdie was attacked. The Department of Justice exposed a kidnapping plot against a dissident who now holds U.S. citizenship. On Wednesday, the DOJ revealed that it had uncovered a planned assassination attempt against JohnBolton.
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