Who is Salman Rushdie attacker?
New York: Indian-born author Salman Rushdie was attacked and apparently stabbed in the neck Friday by a man who rushed the stage as he was about to give a lecture in western New York.
The suspect has been identified as Hadi Matar, 24, a resident of of New Jersey.
Police does not know his nationality yet, or if he has criminal background.
Hadi Matar is sympathetic to the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, sources told New York Post.
“Matar has made social media posts in support of Iran and its Revolutionary Guard, and in support of extremism more broadly,” the newspaper reported.
Unconfirmed reports indicate he is from Lebanon.
Before police briefing, some Indian social media accounts followed by thousands of people claimed that the suspect belonged to Pakiatan.
A campiagn against Pakistan started shortly after the attack which took place more than three decades after Rushdie authored a controversial book. A fatwa was also issued against him by Iran’s then Supreme Leader in 1989.
Journalist David Atherton said, “A man of Arab or Middle Eastern heritage was arrested after the attack.
An Associated Press reporter witnessed a man confront Rushdie on stage at the Chautauqua Institution and begin punching or stabbing him 10 to 15 times as he was being introduced.
The 75-year-old author was pushed or fell to the floor, and the man was arrested. Rushdie was taken by helicopter to a hospital, state police said.
His condition was not immediately known. Rabbi Charles Savenor was among the hundreds of people in the audience. Amid gasps, spectators were ushered out of the outdoor amphitheater.
“This guy ran on to platform and started pounding on Mr. Rushdie. At first you’re like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then it became abundantly clear in a few seconds that he was being beaten,” Savenor said.
He said the attack lasted about 20 seconds.
A bloodied Rushdie was quickly surrounded by a small group of people who held up his legs, presumably to send more blood to his chest.