Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the stabbing of Salman Rushdie.
Rushdie was stabbed while giving a lecture at Chautauqua Institution in Western New York on Friday morning, The New York Times reports. He had spent years in hiding after his book “The Satanic Verses” propmted leadership in Iran to call for his death. According to CNN, the bounty from Iran for his death was never lifted.
The 75-year-old was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. According to NBC News, his agent told the press the author is currently on a ventilator. He suffered a damaged liver and severed nerves in an arm and an eye. It is likely that he will lose the injured eye.
According to CNN, police have arrested Hadi Matar, 24, and charged him with attempted murder in the second degree and assault in the second degree. Authorities have also searched Matar’s home. They are working to determine a motive for the attack.
Officials say the venue ignored suggestions that they improve security measures. Audience members did not undergo bag checks or pass through metal dectors before entering.
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Matar allegedly rushed on to the stage and stabbed Rushdie once in the abodmen and the neck before being detained by staff members and a state trooper.
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