State Rep. Assaulted In Possible Hate Crime In Hartford: Reports

HARTFORD, CT — One suspect has been charged in connection with a violent assault on a Muslin state representative Wednesday at a religious ceremony at the XL Center.

According to several reports, state Rep. Maryam Khan, D-Windsor, was physically and verbally attacked in an incident that has the Connecticut chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations calling for a hate-crime investigation.

Khan serves the 5th Connecticut House District, which includes Windsor, South Windsor and Hartford.

According to WTNH Channel 8, Khan's accused attacker — identified as Andrey Desmond, 30, of New Britain — was charged by Hartford police with second-degree unlawful restraint; third-degree assault; second-degree breach of peace; and interfering with police.

WFSB Channel 3 reported that, in addition to Khan, Khan's sister, a female friend and Khan's three children — 15, 12 and 10 — were also targeted.

The group was attending Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Xl Center, one of the Muslim religion's holiest days, according to WFSB Channel 3.

Reportedly, the suspect approached Khan's group, made vulgar and obscene remarks and then grabbed and struck Khan before throwing her to the ground, according to WFSB Channel 3.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont condemned the incident and wished Khan well in her recovery.

"My heart is with Rep. Maryam Khan, who was attacked today after attending Eid al-Adha services with her family," wrote Lamont via Twitter late Wednesday night. "It's disturbing to me that this happened on a holy day meant to be marked with peaceful prayer.

"The details of the assault are still unfolding, but I know our law enforcement personnel will conduct a thorough investigation.

"Rep. Khan is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about passing legislation that uplifts her constituents in Hartford and Windsor."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., also Tweeted out a statement on the incident.

"I condemn this abhorrent attack on Rep. Khan & her family outside an Eid al-Adha prayer gathering. I urge vigorous investigation & prompt prosecution as appropriate to show that our state has zero tolerance for such repugnant violence," wrote Blumenthal.

Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said she was "sickened" by what happened.

“I am sickened by the news of Rep. Khan and her family being attacked. Such hate and violence is never acceptable, but the fact that this happened on a holy night, in front of her three young children and her sister, is particularly vile," Bysiewicz said in a statement.

"Thank you to the bystander that intervened to stop the attack and held the assailant until police could arrive. I’ve encouraged law enforcement to investigate the possible bias motive to this assault.

"Let me be clear: this type of hate has no home in Connecticut. Please keep Rep. Khan, her family and the entire community in your prayers,” Bysiewicz said.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong Thursday afternoon called the attack "violent, unprovoked and hateful."

"The Eid Al-Adha gathering was life-affirming, peaceful and joyful, bringing together families from across Connecticut’s diverse and beautiful Muslim community," said Tong in a statement. "I stand with Maryam this morning — as I prayed with her on Wednesday morning — in solidarity with and in strong support of Connecticut’s Islamic community.”

State Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, whose district includes part of Windsor, condemned the attack.

“I condemn this attack in the strongest of terms. My heart goes out to Rep. Khan and her family. She is a kind-hearted person and a dedicated lawmaker who I am honored to serve the people of Windsor with," wrote Kissel in a statement.

"We also happen to be the only two Windsor High School graduates in the state legislature and we enjoy welcoming Windsor students to our historic State Capitol for tours. I wish Rep. Khan well. Our entire Senate Republican caucus will continue to have her and her family in our thoughts.”

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin was at the same event Wednesday, saying he was "deeply troubled" by what happened.

“I was in attendance at the Eid al-Adha prayer service with Representative Khan this morning, and it was a beautiful, peaceful gathering of families coming together in faith and community. I’m deeply troubled by the assault that she endured following the prayer service," Bronin said in a statement Wednesday. "I spoke with Representative Khan this afternoon and am deeply sorry for what she and her family experienced today on what should have been a day of joy and celebration.”

Khan was first elected during a special election in 2022, becoming the first Muslim member in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

In November, she was elected to her first full term serving the 5th House District.

She lives in Windsor with her husband and three children.

For the full WTNH Channel 8 report, click on this link.

For the full WFSB Channel 3 report, click on this link.