The trial is now underway for the man accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie at Chautauqua Institution during a 2022 lecture.

Hadi Matar faces charges of attempted murder for attacking Rushdie.

The now 77 year old was about to speak on protecting writers when Matar rushed the stage and stabbed him over a dozen times. The Booker Prize-winning author suffered partial blindness and lasting injuries to his hand.

Rushdie is expected to testify, facing his attacker for the first time in more than two years.

Erie News Now's Jackie Palmer is in the courtroom and will bring you live updates:

DAY 2: Upon entering the courtroom, Matar stated "From the rive to the sea Palestine will be free." 

The first witness brought to the stand was author Salman Rushdie. According to Palmer, members of Rushdie's family are present. 

DAY 1: When Hadi Matar walked into the court, he stated "Free Palestine" before sitting with his defense team.

Attorney Barone, a key member of the defense team, was absent due to illness and was reported to be in the hospital. The defense requested a continuance, but the judge denied it, stating that Barone’s health condition was known to the court and that the remaining defense attorneys were deemed capable of proceeding.

During opening statements, District Attorney Jason Schmidt addressed the jury, outlining the prosecution’s case. He described the location of the alleged attack on Salman Rushdie and introduced witnesses expected to testify. Schmidt emphasized that the prosecution’s job was to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this was not a case of mistaken identity and that Matar intended to kill Rushdie.

Defense attorney Lynn Schaffer then spoke to the jury, stating that it was an honor to represent Matar. She reminded jurors that Matar is innocent until proven guilty and urged them to set aside any preconceived notions. Schaffer cautioned against assumptions made by the prosecution, noting that Matar had purchased tickets and gate passes to attend an event. She also highlighted media coverage, arguing that video evidence alone does not reveal intent. Schaffer asserted that the prosecution would be unable to prove Matar’s intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

The first witness called to the stand was Deborah Moore, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer at the Chautauqua Institution. Under questioning by DA Schmidt, Moore discussed her 11 years of employment and her role at the time of the incident. She stated that she was greeting audience members when she heard a disturbance.

Moore also described the lecture series featuring Salman Rushdie and Henry Reese, which focused on the theme of “Shelter and Redefining Home.” Both speakers were involved with City of Asylum, an organization that assists persecuted writers and artists. After her testimony, Schaffer objected to Moore’s use of the word “persecuted,” arguing that it could influence the jury, but the judge overruled the objection.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.