Salman Rushdie testifies on 2022 stabbing at Matar trial

Salman Rushdie took the stand in the trial of Hadi Matar, the man accused of the brutal stabbing attack on him during a literary event in August 2022. Rushdie recounted the terrifying moments when he was attacked on stage, describing how he initially mistook the strikes for punches before realizing he was being stabbed. He vividly recalled the overwhelming pain and the sight of blood, stating, 'It occurred to me that I was dying,' and emphasized that he felt he was lying in 'a lake of blood.' Matar, who has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault, showed little emotion during Rushdie's testimony. The trial is taking place in a New York state court just miles from the site of the attack, which left Rushdie partially blind. Bystanders played a crucial role in subduing Matar, which Rushdie credited with saving his life.