Hadi Matar, 24, who is suspected to have attacked renowned author, Salman Rushdie has pleaded not guilty.
His public defender, Nathaniel Barone, told newsmen on Saturday that, Matar is facing charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault with intent to cause physical injury with a deadly weapon.
The attorney said Matar has been “very cooperative” and communicating openly, but he did not discuss what was said during those conversations.
Matar was refused bail and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail and his next court appearance is Friday.
Schmidt said, he faces up to 32 years if convicted of both charges.
The 75-year-old award-winning author whose writings have for decades brought him death threats was preparing to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution Friday, when a man jumped on stage and stabbed Rushdie in several places, including the neck and stomach.