Connecticut state Rep. Maryam Khan details violent assault after Eid prayers

By Firdevs Bulut Kartal

TORONTO (AA) - US Connecticut State Rep. Maryam Khan on Thursday described the violence she experienced on Eid al-Adha as attempted sexual assault and violent physical assault, and stated that she has been trying to recover, a statement said.

In her written statement, Khan said that many wounds occurred on her body as a result of the physical and sexual assault by the suspect Andrey Desmond (30), while returning from the mosque with his children after the Eid al-Adha prayer.

"I have sustained multiple physical injuries and it has taken an emotional toll on me and my family and children - who witnessed the attack and were in harm's way," Khan said in her statement, later adding, "I am on a long journey of physical and emotional healing and I ask for your grace during this time."

Khan added she was immensely grateful for the men who helped stop the suspect, but remains concerned about "the lack of security at one of the largest Muslim gatherings on the day of Eid in Hartford."

The Muslim woman shared that she was taking photos with her children and sisters during the attack.

Desmond approached Khan and tried to hold her face and kiss her, and slapped the defenseless woman to the ground and insulted him with obscene words when she showed restraint.

"At that point he followed me, he held me back in a chokehold," she said, adding that she thought she was going to die.

Desmond was charged with assault, detention, disturbance of the peace and interference with the police, in court on June 30.

Maryam Khan, the state's first Muslim councilor, was reported to have told police that she did not know Desmond.

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

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second most important Muslim holiday. It marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.​​​​​​​