‘Great pain and shock’: Salman Rushdie testifies in the trial of his suspected attacker

Salman Rushdie, the renowned author, recounted in harrowing detail the frenzied moments of the brutal attack he endured in 2022 when a masked man rushed at him on stage in western New York and viciously slashed him with a knife. Rushdie, who was testifying at the trial of Hadi Matar, the man accused of attempting to murder him, described the horror of the assault that left him with severe injuries and fearing for his life.

During his testimony at the Chautauqua County Courthouse, Rushdie vividly recalled feeling an intense sense of pain and shock as he was repeatedly stabbed by the assailant. He described the moment when he realized he was lying in a pool of blood, believing that he was dying. The author expressed his gratitude to the individuals who intervened and subdued his attacker, ultimately saving his life.

Rushdie recounted the terrifying sight of the masked man rushing towards him on stage, wearing dark clothing and a black face mask. He was struck by the ferocity in the attacker’s eyes as he launched a relentless assault, slashing at him with a 10-inch blade. The author initially mistook the blows for punches until he saw the blood gushing from his wounds, realizing the severity of the attack.

Despite his efforts to defend himself, Rushdie sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest and torso, including a stab to his chest that left him incapacitated. He struggled to get away from his attacker but ultimately succumbed to his injuries, falling to the ground. The author was left blinded in one eye as a result of the brutal assault.

Following the attack, Rushdie endured a grueling recovery process, spending weeks in a hospital and a rehabilitation center. He had to relearn basic tasks and skills, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the traumatic event. While he has made significant progress in his recovery, Rushdie admitted that he still feels the lasting impact of the attack, lacking the same energy and strength as before.

As Rushdie faced his attacker in court, the atmosphere was tense, with Matar often looking down during the testimony. The author’s wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, wept from her seat as Rushdie recounted the traumatic events. The trial, expected to last up to two weeks, will determine Matar’s fate as he faces charges of attempted murder and assault.

The prosecution emphasized that the attack was unprovoked and deliberate, ruling out any possibility of mistaken identity. Matar, a dual Lebanese American citizen, has been linked to a terrorist organization and may face federal terrorism charges in addition to the current trial. Despite the absence of discussion regarding the fatwa issued against Rushdie in 1989, the motive behind the attack remains a central focus of the proceedings.

As Rushdie bravely recounted the horrific attack that nearly claimed his life, his testimony served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of violence and the resilience of the human spirit. The trial of Hadi Matar continues as justice is sought for the senseless and brutal assault on one of the world’s most celebrated literary figures.