Salaman Rushdie Attacked on Stage in New York

Salaman Rushdie, author of the controversial book 'The Satanic Verses' was stabbed in the neck on stage in New York state.

ABC reports

Author Salman Rushdie was attacked at an event in New York state on Friday, according to witness accounts and law enforcement reports.

Rushdie, who has faced death threats over his writing, was scheduled to give a lecture at the education center Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, in southwestern New York, Friday morning.

At around 11 a.m., a man "ran up onto the stage and attacked Rushdie and an interviewer," according to New York State Police.

Rushdie suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck and was transported by helicopter to the hospital, police said. His condition is unclear.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department also confirmed to ABC News there was a stabbing at the event where Rushdie was speaking.

The suspect was taken into custody by a state trooper, police said.

An Associated Press reporter who was at the event saw a man go on stage and attack Rushdie as he was being introduced, the publication said. The author ended up on the floor and the man was restrained, according to the AP.

The British-Indian writer faced years of death threats after his novel, "The Satanic Verses," was published in 1988.