Moderator describes ‘tragic irony’ and ‘horror’ as violence on Rushdie unfolded

Ralph Henry Reese, co-founder of project that offers exiled writers refuge, says attack should serve as wake up call - and call to action

Moments before Salman Rushdie was nearly murdered at a public event in western New York on Friday, he had signed up to become a roving envoy for writers in mortal peril, agreeing to travel across the US to encourage cities to provide asylum and protection for artists in need.

The bitter irony - that within minutes of having made this pledge Rushdie was himself stabbed 10 times on stage - was revealed by the event's moderator, who was also injured in the assault.