The U.S. State Department has finally issued its official response to the stabbing attack that was carried out against Salman Rushdie in the wake of heavy criticism coming from Iran this past Friday.
Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, claimed in a Sunday statement his condemnation of the event, making reference to the assault as a “heinous attack.”
“We join those across the country and around the world who are keeping Salman Rushdie in our thoughts in the aftermath of this heinous attack,” expressed Blinken.
“More than a literary giant, Rushdie has consistently stood up for the universal rights of freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of the press. While law enforcement officials continue to investigate the attack, I am reminded of the pernicious forces that seek to undermine these rights, including through hate speech and incitement to violence,” he went on.
Blinken called out the state institutions of Iran for the multiple generations of inciting violence against the bestselling author.
“Specifically, Iranian state institutions have incited violence against Rushdie for generations, and state-affiliated media recently gloated about the attempt on his life. This is despicable,” expressed Blinken.
Rushdie’s resolve was also highlighted by the Secretary of State as a major component of opposing those who stand against the implementation of universal human rights.
“The strength of Rushdie — and that of all of those around the world who have endured such threats — steels our resolve and underscores the imperative of standing united as an international community against those who would challenge these universal rights,” finished Blinken.
These statements took place just a single day after Old Uncle Joe put out his own comments stating condemnation of the assault against Rushdie.
“Jill and I were shocked and saddened to learn of the vicious attack on Salman Rushdie yesterday in New York,” expressed Biden
“We, together with all Americans and people around the world, are praying for his health and recovery,” he went on.
Previously, Rushdie was the main target of a death warrant from 1989 that was issued by Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini due to a book that he authored titled “The Satanic Verses.” This past Friday, he was stabbed as he was preparing to give a speech out in New York.
One man rushed the stage at which Rushdie was preparing at the Chautauqua Institution and proceeded to stab Rushdie multiple times, as reported to The Associated Press, which also highlighted that the Iranian regime has put a price of over $3 million on the head of Rushdie.
