Two Dead in Tragic Shooting Involving Police Officer's Son

Salman Rushdie took the stand in a New York courtroom on February 11, 2025, recounting the harrowing moment he was attacked on stage in August 2022. The 77-year-old British-Indian author described seeing his assailant, Hadi Matar, just before the violent assault that left him partially blinded and with severe injuries to his hand. "I only saw him at the last minute," Rushdie testified, noting the attacker wore dark clothing and a mask, with "dark" and "ferocious" eyes.
Rushdie recounted the brutal nature of the assault, stating, “I thought he was hitting me with his fist but I saw a large quantity of blood pouring onto my clothes. He was hitting me repeatedly. Hitting and slashing.”
Matar, 27, faces charges of attempted murder and assault but has pleaded not guilty. The trial continues as Rushdie's testimony sheds light on the violent incident that has drawn international attention and concern over free speech and safety for authors.