Salman Rushdie Reflects on Attacker's Motives Nearly Two Years After Stabbing

Nearly two years after being brutally attacked on stage, acclaimed author Salman Rushdie is confronting the motives behind the assault that left him with life-altering injuries. In his new memoir, "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder," Rushdie recounts visiting his attacker's prison and finding himself "dancing" outside the man's cell.

The attack occurred on August 12, 2022, as Rushdie was preparing to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. A man rushed onto the stage and stabbed Rushdie multiple times, targeting his eye, neck, hand, and chest. The assault lasted a mere 27 seconds but left the author with 15 stab wounds and the loss of sight in his right eye.

Rushdie's alleged attacker, Hadi Matar, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted second-degree murder and second-degree assault. The trial was delayed to allow Matar's lawyers time to review Rushdie's memoir, which was released earlier this month.

Why this matters: The attack on Salman Rushdie serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threats to freedom of expression and the dangers faced by writers who dare to challenge religious and political orthodoxies. Rushdie's resilience and determination to share his story emphasize the importance of defending the right to free speech and standing up against extremism.

In his memoir, Rushdie examines the irony of his attacker's unfamiliarity with his writings beyond the controversial novel "The Satanic Verses," which sparked a religious fatwa against him in 1988. "The A. had not read any of my 16 books written after 'The Satanic Verses,'" Rushdie writes, referring to his assailant only as "the A."

Despite the harrowing experience, Rushdie stresses the need for people to develop thicker skins and not resort to violence over mere offense. "People have to stop having such thin skins," he asserts. "Being offended is not sufficient reason for attacking someone."

Rushdie's memoir not only recounts the attack and his arduous recovery process but also explores the transformative power of love and resilience in the face of hatred and adversity. The author's survival serves as a testament to the bonds that unite us and the strength that can be drawn from solidarity in times of crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Salman Rushdie recounts visiting his attacker's prison cell after brutal 2022 assault.
• Attacker Hadi Matar pleaded not guilty, trial delayed to review Rushdie's new memoir.
• Attack highlights ongoing threats to free speech and dangers faced by writers.
• Rushdie stresses need for thicker skins, being offended not justification for violence.
• Memoir explores power of love and resilience in face of hatred and adversity.