Salman Rushdie updates — Scotland Police investigating threat to JK Rowling after Satanic Verses author stabbed 10 times
POLICE in Scotland said they are investigating an online threat made to author JK Rowling, after she tweeted about the stabbing of Salman Rushdie.
The author issued a tweet saying she had hoped Rushdie was okay after he was allegedly stabbed 10 times, and said she felt "very sick."
A user commented, "don't worry you are next."
The Harry Potter creator assured fans "To all sending supportive messages: thank you police are involved (were already involved on other threats)".
Rushdie was attacked as he spoke at the Chautauqua Institution, prosecutors said at the suspect's arraignment.
Hadi Matar, 24, of New Jersey has been charged with attempted murder and assault.
According to the New York Times, prosecutors said that the attack was premeditated and targeted at Rushdie.
Read our Salman Rushdie blog for news and updates...
Footage of the attack on Twitter
A Twitter user was able to record footage of Salman Rushdie's attack this morning and the chaos that followed from spectators.
Update from the NYSD: 'stab wound to the neck'
According to an update from the New York State Police, Salman Rushdie "suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck and was transported by helicopter to an area hospital.
"His condition is not yet known."
Iran's 'anti-Rushdie' sentiments
Although the Iranian government had long ago distanced itself from Khomeini's order, animosity for Rushdie persisted, according to a article.
Rushdie's reward was increased from $2.8million to $3.3million in 2012 by a semi-official Iranian religious institution, per the outlet.
At the time, Rushdie rejected the threat, claiming there was "no evidence" that anyone would be interested in the reward.
Blood on walls at Chautauqua Institution
According to images from the scene, there were splatters of blood on the walls in the Chautauqua Insitute after the attack on author Salman Rushdie just before his lecture.
An saw a man approach the stage at the Chautauqua Institution and start "punching or stabbing" Rushdie.
The author was carried off or knocked to the ground, and the attacker was bound.
Chautauqua spokesperson on attack
A Chautauqua official who declined to further comment or confirm specifics regarding the event said that medical personnel and police were sent to the amphitheater, according to .
What happened at the Chautauqua Institution amphitheater?
An audience member rushed toward Rushdie as he took the stage at the Chautauqua Institution in New York to deliver a lecture.
An Associated Press reporter who attended the talk says that the person started striking or stabbing Rushdie but was swiftly stopped.
Rushdie's honors in the world of literature
Rushdie was chosen to be a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1983. In 1999, the French government named him Commandeur of l'Ordre des Arts and des Lettres, per his Wikipedia profile.
He received a knighthood in 2007 for his contributions to literature. He was placed thirteenth on The Times' 2008 list of the top 50 British authors since 1945.
Rushdie has resided in the US since the year 2000. In 2015, the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University designated him Distinguished Writer in Residence.
He had previously taught at Emory University. The American Academy of Arts and Letters chose him for membership. In response to the uproar surrounding The Satanic Verses, he released Joseph Anton: A Memoir in 2012, which is an account of his life.
Who is Salmon Rushdie?
Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie is an Indian-born novelist whose work combines magical realism with historical fiction.
Much of his work is centered on the Indian subcontinent and is particularly concerned with the links, interruptions, and migrations between Eastern and Western cultures.
Death threats from Iran leader
Iran has outlawed Rushdie's The Satanic Verses since 1988 because many Muslims view it as disrespectful.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late president of Iran, called for Rushdie's execution in a fatwa, or decree, that was published a year later.
Iran has allegedly offered a reward of more than $3million for the murder of Rushdie, according to .
What was Rushdie doing in New York?
In the 1980s, Salman Rushdie received death threats from Iran because of his writing.
On Friday, as he prepared to deliver a lecture in western New York, he was assaulted.
As Rushdie was being presented, an Associated Press reporter saw a guy attack the stage at the Chautauqua Institution and start hitting or stabbing Rushdie.
The author was carried off or knocked to the ground, and the guy was bound.