Representative Maryam Khan, a Pakistan-born Connecticut House of Representatives member in the US, faced an appalling incident on Eid ul Adh; as she was leaving the prayer ceremony with her three children and sister, a man attacked her.
As per the initial reports, the individual, identified as Andrey Desmond, launched offensive remarks and then physically assaulted her, knocking her to the ground.
As stated by the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the distressing episode resulted in minor injuries to Representative Khan.
The Aftermath and Legal Action
Following the assault, Desmond fled the scene but was quickly pursued and held by civilians until the police arrived. Hartford Police Department, while not specifically naming the public official involved, confirmed that Desmond had been apprehended. He is now facing third-degree assault, second-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree breach of peace, and interfering with the police.
High-profile figures in Connecticut’s political sphere voiced their concern and condemnation of the incident. House Speaker Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas supported Rep. Khan. They highlighted the sad irony that such an act of violence should occur on a day dedicated to peace and prayer.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont condemned the incident, underscoring the peace disturbance on a holy day. He reassured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the events.
Farhan Memon, the chairperson of CAIR’s Connecticut chapter, called for the incident to be scrutinized for a possible biased motive, stressing the need to ensure the safety of the Connecticut Muslim community. Memon pointed out the frequency with which American Muslims, or those mistaken to be Muslim, become targets of hate due to their clothing, race, or ethnicity.
Rep. Maryam Khan, 33, is the first Muslim member of the Connecticut House of Representatives and only the second Muslim elected to the state’s General Assembly after Senator Saud Anwar.
