HARTFORD, Conn — A state representative was assaulted Wednesday morning in downtown Hartford while attending Eid al-Adha prayer services, according to police and a local civil rights group.
Hartford police said they were called to 225 Trumbull Street at 11:06 a.m. in the area of the XL Center on a report of a male who assaulted a female. When they got there, officers found the suspect being detained by bystanders at the intersection of Trumbull Street and Chapel Street North.
Police said the suspect approached a woman, a state representative, and began to make unwanted advances.
FOX61 later confirmed with her office that the woman assaulted was State Rep. Maryam Khan, representing the 5th District of Windsor and Hartford.
Khan, a Democrat from Windsor, became the first Muslim member of the Connecticut House when she won a special election for the seat in March 2022.
The suspect also tried to prevent her from leaving and assaulted Khan. The suspect then fled on foot and was chased by bystanders, police said.
The Council on American Islamic Relations CT (CAIR-CT) said the attack happened after a Muslim prayer service for Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, celebrated by Muslims worldwide for three to four days. The organization said that at the time of the attack, Khan was with her sister, a female friend and her three children when they were approached by a man who made vulgar and obscene remarks.
She told CAIR-CT that the man grabbed her, hit her and threw her to the ground. Another worshipper intervened and held the suspect until police arrived.
Khan suffered minor injuries and was evaluated by EMS.
“We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this attack and to ensure the safety of the Connecticut Muslim community during the ongoing Eid al-Adha celebrations,” said CAIR-Connecticut chair Farhan Memon. “All too often we have seen American Muslims, or those perceived to be Muslim, targeted by hate because of their attire, race or ethnicity.”
Khan, her sister and her older daughter wear religious head carves, known as a hijab.
Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas released a statement condemning the attack on Khan. They said State Capitol Police and Hartford Police will conduct a full and thorough investigation.
"It is especially painful that Rep. Khan was attacked on a holy day of peace and prayer," they said. "On a day she should be spending with her friends and family. Rep. Khan is an amazing leader and person who is committed to faith, love and service - we are sending our well-wishes and support tonight to Maryam and her family.”
Mayor Luke Bronin, who attended the Eid al-Adha service with Khan said he was "deeply troubled by the assault."
"It was a beautiful, peaceful gathering of families coming together in faith and community," he said, adding: "Hartford Police have the suspect in custody and they are investigating the attack. 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.”
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said in a statement that she was "sickened" by the news of the attack against Khan and her family.
"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," she said, also thanking the bystander who helped apprehend the suspect. "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."
Attorney General William Tong said the attack was "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," he said. "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."
The suspect, later identified as Andre Desmond, 30, of New Britain, was arrested and transported to the Hartford Police Detention Division for processing.
He was arraigned Thursday morning at Hartford Superior Court. He was heard using profanity, but was interrupted by the judge.
Desmond has a long criminal history that spans out of state ranging from larceny to robbery to trespassing. His attorney said he is currently seeking treatment for his mental health issues.
"I'm just shocked. This doesn't happen in Connecticut," said Gov. Ned Lamont.
Desmond now faces charges of assault, interfering with police, and breach of peace.
"This vicious, violent assault is absolutely sickening and it should be investigated as a hate crime!" said Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Khan did not take any messages or calls Thursday and spent time with her family.
Desmond is expected to reappear in court next month.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Doug Stewart is the Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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