Muslim State Lawmaker Attacked at Connecticut Eid Service

Connecticut’s chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations called on law enforcement Wednesday to investigate what it said was a physical attack on state Rep. Maryam Khan (D-District 5) in front of her family while they observed one of Islam’s holiest days.

“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,” CAIR-Connecticut Chair Farhan Memon said in a written statement. “All too often we have seen American Muslims, or those perceived to be Muslim, targeted by hate because of their attire, race or ethnicity.”  

Muslims across Connecticut gathered Wednesday at the XL Center to observe Eid al-Adha.

“Eid al-Adha is a commemoration of the willingness of the prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son as a commandment from God,” Mobashar Akram, the general secretary of the Islamic Center of Connecticut, told News 8 earlier in the day when describing the importance of Eid. “…as a testament to his faith, as a testament to his trust in God’s will, and that is what we try to reflect as Muslims on this day.”

Muslims traditionally pray, give small gifts to children and feed the needy during Eid. The Pew Research Center estimates that about 1% of Connecticut’s population is Muslim.

Khan, her three children, a friend and her sister were approached by a man, who made vulgar and obscene remarks to them, according to CAIR. The children are 10, 12 and 15 years old. Khan, her oldest daughter and her sister wear hijabs.

CAIR said the man grabbed Khan, hit her and then threw her to the ground. A worshipper chased the man and held him until police arrived at the scene.

Hartford police said that 30-year-old Andrey Desmond, of New Britain, has been charged with second-degree unlawful restraint, third-degree assault, second-degree breach of peace and interfering with police.

While police have not specifically named Khan, stating that the department does not identify victims of crimes, officials have said that Desmond attacked a public figure at about 11 a.m. He was found in the area of Trumbull and Chapel streets — which is located near the XL Center.

Police said that Desmond approached a public official, made unwanted advances, tried to prevent her from leaving and then assaulted her. He was chased down by witnesses.

Memon said that the prayer service was the largest gathering of Muslims in recent years. He called on police, stating that the group had to hire two off-duty officers to help with security concerns.

“Given the size and prominence of the event more officers should have been present,” Memon said in the announcement. “Other cities and towns in Connecticut have proactively assigned officers to mosques to protect against such attacks.” 

Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-District 1) and Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-District 9) condemned the attack on Wednesday night, stating that the two would hold off on further comment until an investigation is finished.

“It is especially painful that Rep. Khan was attacked on a holy night of peace and prayer,” they wrote in a joint statement. “On a night 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.”