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

Salman Rushdie found himself reliving the harrowing moments of a frenzied attack that left him with terrible injuries and fearing for his life as he took the stand at the trial of Hadi Matar in western New York. The 77-year-old author vividly described the horrific incident when a masked man rushed at him on stage at the Chautauqua Institution and repeatedly slashed him with a knife, leaving him covered in blood and in excruciating pain.

Rushdie recalled feeling an overwhelming sense of shock and pain as he lay on the stage, surrounded by a pool of his own blood. He vividly remembered the attacker’s dark eyes, filled with ferocity, as he mercilessly struck him with the 10-inch blade. Rushdie initially mistook the blows for punches until he saw the blood gushing from his wounds, realizing he was being viciously attacked.

The renowned author recounted how he was struck multiple times in the chest and torso, with the assailant relentlessly slashing at him as he tried to defend himself. Despite his efforts to escape, Rushdie was stabbed in the chest and eventually fell to the ground, unable to stand due to the severity of his injuries.

The aftermath of the attack saw Rushdie blinded in one eye, spending weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation center, where he had to undergo extensive recovery and relearn basic skills. Despite his substantial progress, Rushdie admitted that he still did not feel at 100%, lacking the same energy and physical strength he once had.

As Rushdie faced his attacker in court for the first time since the incident, emotions ran high, with his wife Rachel Eliza Griffiths visibly distraught in the courtroom. The author’s testimony shed light on the traumatic experience he endured, recounting the terrifying moments that nearly claimed his life.

Throughout the trial, Matar, the accused, remained mostly silent and avoided eye contact with Rushdie. The cross-examination by Matar’s public defender delved into Rushdie’s career and memories, hinting at a possible defense strategy involving the impact of trauma on recollection.

The trial, expected to last up to two weeks, is a pivotal moment in seeking justice for Rushdie’s attempted murder. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear in the state trial, federal authorities have linked Matar’s actions to a terrorist organization’s endorsement of the fatwa issued against Rushdie in 1989.

As Rushdie bravely faced his attacker in court, reliving the traumatic events of that fateful day, the trial seeks to uncover the truth behind the vicious assault that left the acclaimed author fighting for his life. The pursuit of justice for Rushdie’s attempted murder serves as a testament to his resilience and unwavering courage in the face of adversity.