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Major Eugene J. Staniszewski
Troop A Commander
UPDATED August 13, 2022 at 2:31 P.M.
State Police are investigating an attack on author Salman Rushdie prior to a speaking event at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY.
UPDATE On August 12, 2022, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Hadi Matar, 24 of Fairview, NJ for Attempted Murder 2nd degree (B Felony) and Assault 2nd degree. Matar was processed at SP Jamestown and transported to Chautauqua County Jail. **Matar was arraigned in centralized arraignment on August 13, 2022 and was remanded without bail at Chautauqua County Jail.
On August 12, 2022, at about 10:47 a.m., a male suspect later identified as Hadi Matar, 24 of Fairview, NJ ran up onto the stage and attacked Salman Rushdie, 75. Rushdie suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck and chest and was transported by helicopter to an area hospital. His condition is not yet known. The other speaker at the event Ralph Henry Reese, 73 suffered a minor head injury. Staff members of the Chautauqua Institution and guests went on stage to assist in holding down the suspect. A State Trooper assigned to the event was next to the stage and took the suspect into custody. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene assisted shortly after. The Chautauqua County Deputy had an explosive detection K9 that assisted in clearing a bag the suspect had. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt is assisting in the investigation and will determine criminal charges once the investigation is completed.
The NYSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Identification Unit, Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.
This is still an ongoing criminal investigation.