Two days after he was stabbed on stage at a literary event in New York, Salman Rushdie’s family issued a statement about his health condition and stated, “Though his life-changing injuries are severe, his usual feisty & defiant sense of humour remains intact”.
The author’s son, Zafar Rushdie, issued a statement on behalf of the family on Sunday, saying, “Following the attack on Friday, my father remains in a critical condition in hospital receiving extensive ongoing medical treatment.”
“We are extremely relieved that yesterday he was taken off the ventilator and additional oxygen and he was able to say a few words,” the statement added.
In his statement, Zafar Rushdie thanked event attendees who jumped into action to wrestle away the attacker.
“We are so grateful to all the audience members who bravely leapt to his defence and administered first aid along with the police and doctors who have cared for him and for the outpouring of love and support from around the world. We ask for continued patience and privacy as the family come together at his bedside to support and help him through this time,” the statement read.
Salman Rushdie was taken off the ventilator on Sunday. His agent said that he is alert and able to speak.
Meanwhile, the man who stabbed Rushdie has been charged with attempted murder in the second degree and assault in the second degree.
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