Harry Potter author JK Rowling told fans "police are involved" following alleged death threats made against her after she commented on the recent stabbing of novelist Salman Rushdie.
Rushdie is an Indian-born British-American novelist whose 1988 novel The Satanic Verses resulted in Iran placing a bounty on his head and urging Muslims to kill him.
On Friday, the 75-year-old magical realism author was about to deliver a lecture on the importance of freedom of creative expression at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York when he was stabbed by a man.
New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed Rushdie is alive and was "getting the care he needs" after he suffered a stab wound to the neck.
Rowling took to social media after learning of the attack and wrote, “Horrifying news,” adding, “Feeling very sick right now. Let him be OK.”
\u201cFeeling very sick right now. Let him be ok.\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660319311
In response to her tweet, a user responded:
“Don’t worry you are next.”
This prompted Rowling–who has been criticized by for her racism, homophobia and transphobia–to share a screenshot of the threat along with two photos.
The first photo was of a person who threatened her named Meer Asif Aziz and the second was of Rushdie's attacker who was identified as 24-year-old Hadi Matar of Fairview, New Jersey.
Matar has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault at a court appearance on Saturday, according to Reuters.
After receiving the threat from Aziz, Rowling asked Twitter, "Any chance of some support?”
\u201c.@TwitterSupport any chance of some support?\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660395659
Concerned followers shared their thoughts about the handling of online threats.
\u201c@jk_rowling @TwitterSupport From one woman to another, I hope @TwitterSupport take action against this account. Threats and intimidation should not be allowed \ud83e\uddd8\u200d\u2642\ufe0f\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660395659
\u201c@jk_rowling @TwitterSupport This is one of the reasons @TwitterSupport needs to be held accountable for any threats made against people. Maybe if they are arrested they'd actually do something.\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660395659
\u201c@jk_rowling @TwitterSupport Come on @TwitterSupport - get moving or don\u2019t threats of violence to women matter much to you?\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660395659
\u201c@jk_rowling @TwitterSupport Dear @TwitterSupport , it seems that it is more likely that a threat of \u201cliteral\u201d violence is more likely to lead to a ban on Twitter than an actual threat of violence. Please take this issue seriously.\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660395659
Rowling thanked followers who sent her a "supportive message" and informed them "Police are involved (were already involved on other threats)."
\u201cTo all sending supportive messages: thank you \ud83d\udc95 \nPolice are involved (were already involved on other threats).\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660395659
The Harry Potter author also asked Twitter to confirm the guidelines pertaining to harassment online.
"@TwitterSupport These are your guidelines, right?" she asked and quoted the terms outlined in the platform's policy against violence.
"Violence: You may not threaten violence against an individual or a group of people. We also prohibit the glorification of violence..."
"Terrorism/violent extremism: You may not threaten or promote terrorism..."
\u201c.@TwitterSupport These are your guidelines, right?\n\n"Violence: You may not threaten violence against an individual or a group of people. We also prohibit the glorification of violence... \n\n"Terrorism/violent extremism: You may not threaten or promote terrorism..."\u201d— J.K. Rowling (@J.K. Rowling) 1660395659
Relating to the threat made against Rowling, Scotland police said:
"We have received a report of an online threat being made and officers are carrying out enquiries."
Warner Bros. Discovery also issued the following statement:
“We stand with her and all the authors, storytellers and creators who bravely express their creativity and opinions."
"WBD believes in freedom of expression, peaceful discourse and supporting those who offer their views in the public arena."
"Our thoughts are with Sir Salman Rushdie and his family following the senseless act of violence in New York."
"The company strongly condemns any form of threat, violence or intimidation when opinions, beliefs and thoughts might differ.”
