In her first public statement since the incident, Connecticut State Representative Maryam Khan has recounted the assault she suffered after attending Eid al-Adha services at Hartford's XL Center on June 29th. Khan described the attack as both a physical and sexual assault, resulting in injuries and emotional distress for herself and her children, who witnessed the event.
The alleged assailant, 30-year-old Andrey Desmond, was apprehended by Hartford police and faces charges including unlawful restraint, assault, breach of peace, and interfering with police. According to Khan, Desmond approached her, her three children (ages 10, 12, and 15), a friend, and her sister, making inappropriate comments before physically attacking her. The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Connecticut chapter reported that Desmond grabbed, hit, and threw Khan to the ground before another attendee intervened and held him until authorities arrived.
Khan expressed gratitude for the bystanders who intervened and apprehended Desmond, emphasizing their role in ensuring her safety and that of her children and other attendees. While thankful for public support, she also voiced concerns regarding security measures at the XL Center, given the significance of Eid al-Adha and the large number of Muslim worshippers gathered there.
Connecticut House Speaker Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas, both Democrats, issued a joint statement condemning the attack and expressing their support for Khan and her family. They highlighted the particularly distressing nature of the assault, occurring on a holy day meant for peace and prayer.
