Author Salman Rushdie, who faced Islamist death threats for years after writing The Satanic Verses, was attacked and stabbed in the neck on Friday while onstage at Chautauqua in western New York. The assault happened around 11am in New York, shortly after Rushdie had taken the stage to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution, a community in western New York.

The 75 year-old was airlifted to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery and reports say he is likely to lose one eye.

The rampage took the world by surprise with world leaders and other distinguished personalities expressing dismay.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the attack on freedom of expression.

"Appalled that Sir Salman Rushdie has been stabbed while exercising a right we should never cease to defend," Johnson said in a tweet.

"Right now, my thoughts are with his loved ones. We are all hoping he is okay," he said.

Former chancellor and contender to succeed Johnson, Rishi Sunak, also took to Twitter to express his shock.

"Shocked to hear of the attack on Salman Rushdie in New York. A champion of free speech and artistic freedom. He's in our thoughts tonight," Sunak said.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Sunak's only challenger, said, "Disgraceful attack on Sir Salman Rushdie. People must be able to speak freely and freedom of speech must be defended. My thoughts are with him, his family and loved ones."

Rushdie's publishers at Penguin Random House also condemned this attack. They said, "We condemn this violent public assault, and our thoughts are with Salman and his family at this distressing time."

French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack on Rushdie 'cowardly'. He wrote, "For 33 years, Salman Rushdie has embodied freedom and the fight against obscurantism. He has just been the victim of a cowardly attack by the forces of hatred and barbarism. His fight is our fight; it is universal. Now more than ever, we stand by his side."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "appalled" to learn about the attack on the author, saying that in no case is violence a response to words spoken or written by others in their exercise of the freedoms of opinion and expression.

"The Secretary-General was appalled to learn of the attack on renowned novelist Salman Rushdie," a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson said.

"In no case is violence a response to words spoken or written by others in their exercise of the freedoms of opinion and expression," Guterres said, conveying his wishes for Rushdie's early recovery.

The White House on Friday said that it finds the assault "reprehensible" and that the US administration are praying for his speedy recovery.

"Today, the country and the world witnessed a reprehensible attack against the writer Salman Rushdie. This act of violence is appalling. All of us in the Biden-Harris Administration are praying for his speedy recovery," White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.