Hadi Matar, of Fairview, New Jersey, was taken into custody after he allegedly stormed the stage and stabbed the writer at least once in the neck and abdomen at the Chautauqua Foundation, Maj. Eugene J. Staniszewski said at a news conference this afternoon. Friday. Several staff members rushed the suspect and took him to the ground before a state trooper and a Chappaqua County sheriff’s deputy arrested him, Mr. Staniszewski said. The 75-year-old author received emergency treatment from a doctor in the audience before emergency responders arrived. He was airlifted to UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he remained in the operating room late Friday afternoon, Mr. Staniszewski said. Law enforcement officers detain Hadi Matar outside the Chautauqua Foundation (AP) Mr Matar has not yet been charged as police wait to learn the extent of the writer’s injuries. Mr Staniszewski said they did not know the motive for the attack and believed he acted alone. He had bought a pass to the literary event. Police seized several items belonging to the suspect, including a backpack and electronic devices. An explosive detection K9 from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office checked the bag. Police were awaiting a search warrant to examine the items, he said. Officers are working with the Chautauqua County District Attorney to determine what charges the suspect will face. Henry Rees, who was on stage with Rushdie at the time of the attack, was taken to hospital with minor head injuries. Chautauqua Institute President Michael Hill told reporters that safety “was a top priority” at the event and that they conducted assessments before all events. “We will continue to look at providing the maximum security we can,” Mr Hill said. “This has never happened in our entire history. Chautauqua has always been an extremely safe place. We will continue to work to maintain this tradition.”
