Erie, PA (Erie News Now) – Salman Rushdie, an author whose work has generated death threats in the past, was attacked and stabbed on stage before giving a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York on Friday.

Rushdie suffered a stab wound to the neck and was taken by helicopter to UPMC Hamot, according to New York State Police.

There is a heavy police and security presence outside the hospital. Our news partners at Erie News Now have been told Rushdie is currently undergoing surgery.

Chautauqua Institution has canceled all programs at Chautauqua and Jamestown for Friday following the attack.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul reacted to the attack during a news conference Friday morning.