Concerns Over Rushdie Stabbing Attack... Joanne Rowling Threatened with "You're Next" Warning

Author Salman Rushdie of 'The Satanic Verses' Receives Threats After Posting Concerned Tweet
Account Believed to Be Created in Pakistan

British author J.K. Rowling, the author of 'Harry Potter.' The photo on the right shows a man rushing onto the stage and wielding a weapon during a lecture by British author Salman Rushdie at the Shutterqu Institution in New York, USA, on the 12th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] After J.K. Rowling (57), the author of ‘Harry Potter,’ posted a tweet expressing concern for Salman Rushdie (75), the author of ‘The Satanic Verses,’ who was stabbed with a weapon, threatening messages targeting him appeared online. As a result, the police have launched an investigation.

On the 14th (local time), according to AFP and the UK Guardian, the Scottish police stated, "We received reports of online threats against Rowling, and officers are conducting an investigation."

Rowling tweeted, "This is terrible news. My heart aches so much right now. I hope he is okay," after Salman was attacked with a weapon in New York, USA, on the 12th.

However, a user named 'Meer Asif Aziz' left a comment saying, "Don't worry you are next," and Rowling shared a screenshot of the comment, asking, "What kind of support can I get?" She added that the police are aware of this.

The account that posted the threatening tweet is believed to have been created in Pakistan and also posted tweets praising the man in his 20s who stabbed Rushdie. The tweet sent to Rowling was deleted that morning.

Earlier, on the 12th, Salman Rushdie was stabbed in the neck and abdomen with a weapon by Hadi Matar (24), who rushed onto the stage while Rushdie was preparing to give a lecture at a literary festival held in Chautauqua, New York State, USA.

He underwent surgery for several hours after the attack, and it has been reported that his condition has improved as he has been taken off the ventilator and is conversing with acquaintances.

Rushdie, who sparked controversy over blasphemy against Islam with his 1988 publication ‘The Satanic Verses,’ has been subjected to death threats for over 30 years.

Meanwhile, Matar, who was arrested at the scene of the attack, was indicted on the 13th on charges of attempted second-degree murder and assault.