Police said there was no immediate indication of a motive for the attack that left Rushdie severely injured and on a ventilator after surgery.
"I'm not aware that he's ever asked us to provide additional security, and I'm also not aware that he ever brought a security detail with him," she said.
Pilar Pintagro/via REUTERSFor Rushdie's event, Chautauqua had requested and received security assistance from the New York State Police and the Chautauqua County sheriff's department, Hill said.
Fisher said safety, diversity and differences of opinion had long been part of the fabric of the Chautauqua community.
"Not only was he (Rushdie) a victim, but I think that open community is going to be a victim as well," Fisher said.