Sir Salman Rushdie suffered “life-changing” injuries when he was stabbed, but has been “able to say a few words” and retains his “usual feisty and defiant sense of humour”, his son has said.
The 75-year-old author was airlifted to hospital and underwent hours of surgery following the attack on stage in Chautauqua, New York state, on Friday.
His son Zafar Rushdie said Sir Salman remained in a “critical condition” but was taken off a ventilator on Saturday.
“Though his life-changing injuries are severe, his usual feisty and defiant sense of humour remains intact,” he said in a statement.
Sir Salman was stabbed about 12 times, including in the face and neck, the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office said.
One of the wounds in the facial area caused a puncture to his eye. Another, to the abdomen, caused a puncture of the author’s liver.
There were also stab wounds to the abdomen and chest area.
