On Friday, the prosecution played four video clips recorded on Aug. 12, 2022, when Salman Rushdie and Henry Reece were to give a presentation at Chautauqua Institution, but were interrupted when Rushdie was attacked.

Christine McKay, the executive producer at Chautauqua Institution explained the process of how they both record and livestream events. She oversees a team of people, some who use hand-held cameras, while other cameras are fixed to a specific place.

McKay noted she was watching the event on screen when the attack took place. She immediately cut the live feed, but the recordings remained.

All four videos were fairly short – around 5 minutes or shorter – and provided different angles of the same event.

Hadi Matar is escorted to his seat by members of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

The first video only showed the moderator welcoming everyone before loud screaming could be heard and he took off on foot, off screen.

The second video follows the moderator as he runs from the podium toward a scrum of people. It appears to show an individual being placed in handcuffs and another group of individuals holding up someone’s legs in the air as medical attention is provided. The faces could not be seen.

The third and fourth videos show what appears to be Hadi Matar wearing a black face mask and attacking another individual by swinging a knife. The mask covers his mouth but the top of his head is clearly visible.

The fourth video, in particular, appears to show Matar making multiple undercut slashing motions, attacking another person.

Matar, 27, has been charged with second-degree attempted murder for the attack on Rushdie and second-degree assault for the attack on Reese.

During cross examination, Assistant Public Defender Andrew Brautigam asked McKay if it is possible for someone who is responsible to download the files to alter them in some way.

“It’s possible,” McKay replied.

Earlier in the day, three members of law enforcement testified in court.

The first individual who testified was State Police investigator Travis Nagle.

Nagle, who was a road trooper before his promotion, said that Matar was read his Miranda Rights before being questioned. A video was played for the jury showing them being read to Matar and Matar agreeing to answer questions afterward.

Nagle said there was no sign that Matar was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He had no signs of affected speech or body movement.

Nagle said Matar’s pants appeared to have blood on them.

Each item of clothing was secured in separate paper bags.

Afterward, Senior Investigator Joseph Smith, who oversees both the Jamestown and Dunkirk barracks, testified.

He noted that he personally transported the clothing from Jamestown to Fredonia. He discussed the process of ensuring no one could have access to the evidence collected.

Finally, Scott Mills, the senior administrator with State Police Troop A out of Batavia, testified.

Mills was responsible for collecting the DNA from both Matar as well as Rushdie.

To collect the DNA, they use swab sticks. Mills said both Matar and Rushdie agreed to have their DNA collected.

He was able to get Rushdie’s DNA a week following the attack by visiting Ha mot Hospital in Erie.

“At that point he still had a lot of injuries, bandages, and whatnot,” Mills said.

With Monday being Presidents Day, the trial will resume Tuesday.