In 2022, Salman Rushdie was about to deliver a lecture before a live audience in western New York when a man ran towards him and plunged a knife into the author’s hand as he raised it in self-defense.

Attorneys are expected to make their opening statements Monday in the trial of the man accused in the on-stage attack on author Salman Rushdie in western New York more than two years ago. This comes after jury selection wrapped up at the courthouse in Mayville, New York, on Thursday.

Two-and-a-half years after Salman Rushdie was repeatedly and nearly fatally stabbed at a public appearance, the renowned author is expected to testify at the trial of his alleged attacker, which began Tuesday.