MAYVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — The trial of 27-year-old Hadi Matar, accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie during his speaking engagement at the Chautauqua Institution in August of 2022, began Monday with opening statements.
Matar faces charges of assault and attempted murder, and also faces federal terrorism charges, following the attack that left Rushdie blind in one eye. The incident occurred when Matar allegedly jumped on stage and stabbed Rushdie with a knife just before he was set to speak. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and rejected a plea deal.
But before opening statements could be delivered, the defense team had a big challenge. Matar's attorney, Chief Public Defender Nathaniel Barone, was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness and was not there for the start of this trial. Judge David Foley denied a request by the defense team to postpone the trial. Instead, he instructed the defense team to deliver opening statements.
The prosecution kicked off with its opening statement delivered by Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt. He told the court about the sudden attack by Matar — who rushed the stage with a knife stabbing Rushdie quote "over, and over, and over again". Schmidt also said Matar was "stabbing, swinging and slicing" into Rushdie's head, throat, stomach, and thigh and that it was "not a case of mistaken identity."
The defense's opening statement was delivered by Public Defender Lynn Schaffer. She told the jury she wants them to remember as they "listen to evidence," and the indictment that will be outlined at the trial and stated it's not a "who done it." The defense attorney also asked the jury not to let what has already been reported affect what they hear in this case.
Jurors listened as witnesses recounted what they say happened that day. Photos and videos are expected to be shown to jurors and the prosecution is expected to call 15 witnesses.
The prosecution's first witness was the chief program officer at the Chautauqua Institution. She said she witnessed the commotion on stage, was handed the knife used in the attack by a reverend, saw blood and called for the evacuation of the theater. The defense requested she not use the word "attacker" in her testimony and Judge Foley agreed.
The trial will resume at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Rushdie is expected to be called to testify. The trial could last a week to 14 days.
Rushdie is an Indian-born, British-American author. He spent many years in hiding after he wrote The Satanic Verses in 1989. Some Muslims believe his book is blasphemous.
Matar allegedly was backed by the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah. He's been held without bail since his arrest in 2022.
