President Joe Biden condemns ‘vicious attack’ on Salman Rushdie

US President Joe Biden has reacted to the attack on author Salman Rushdie and said he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident. He called it a “vicious attack” and said “people around the world are praying for his health and recovery”.

Indian-born author Salman Rushdie was stabbed on Friday as he was about to deliver a lecture in western New York’s Chautauqua institute. He was taken to a hospital by helicopter where he underwent surgery to treat his injuries.

In his statement, the US President said, “Salman Rushdie—with his insight into humanity, with his unmatched sense for story, with his refusal to be intimidated or silenced—stands for essential, universal ideals. Truth. Courage. Resilience. The ability to share ideas without fear.”

He added that these values are the “building blocks of any free and open society”. He also said he stands in solidarity with Rushdie and all those who stand for freedom of expression.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in another statement, described the attack on Rushdie as reprehensible.

“This act of violence is appalling. All of us in the Biden-Harris Administration are praying for his speedy recovery,” Sullivan said.

Meanwhile, Rushdie’s book agent, Andrew Wylie, said the author might lose an eye after the attack. Wylie added that the nerves in Rushdie’s arms were severed and his liver was damaged after he was stabbed in the torso.

Rushdie was scheduled to give a talk on artistic freedom at New York’s Chautauqua Institution where he was stabbed.