Statement by NYU Spokesperson John Beckman

“The University was shocked to learn of the attack on Salman Rushdie, a Distinguished Writer in Residence in our Carter Journalism Institute, and is deeply concerned for his health.

“We strongly condemn this assault, both upon the person and his right to share his ideas. Silencing an invited speaker in a public setting is antithetical to the University’s core principle of the free exchange of ideas, and doing so by means of violence only compounds the offense.

“We admire Salman Rushdie for standing up for his ideas; the thoughts and best wishes of the NYU community are with him in the aftermath of this grievous attack.”