Prosecutor: Stab Attack on Salman Rushdie Was ‘Preplanned’

Prosecutor: Stab Attack on Salman Rushdie Was ‘Preplanned’
Salman Rushdie attends the 68th National Book Award Benefit Dinner and Ceremony in New York on Nov. 15, 2017. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

MAYVILLE, N.Y.—The man accused in the stabbing attack on Salman Rushdie pleaded not guilty Saturday to attempted murder and assault charges in what a prosecutor called a “preplanned” crime, as the renowned author of “The Satanic Verses” remained hospitalized with serious injuries.

An attorney for Hadi Matar entered the plea on his behalf during an arraignment in western New York. The suspect appeared in court wearing a black and white jumpsuit and a white face mask, with his hands cuffed in front of him.