USA: In her first public remarks about the incident, a Connecticut state lawmaker who was assaulted last month as she left a Muslim prayer service claimed that she suffered multiple physical injuries as a result of what she described as a violent physical assault and attempted sexual assault.
Rep. Mayram Khan, who was attacked while taking pictures with her children and sister outside a downtown Hartford arena, expressed her gratitude for the "courageous men who came to my aid" and pursued her attacker until police arrived in a written statement.
"Their courage and tenacity in those moments helped to save my life, the lives of my children, and many other Muslim women and children that were still inside the XL Centre," said Khan, referring to the roughly 4,000 other people who attended the service commemorating Eid Al-Adha, the conclusion of the Hajj, the yearly pilgrimage by Muslims to Makkah. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated on the first day of the Muslim lunar calendar.
Also Read: Qur'an burning undermines Sweden's NATO application
According to Khan, who described herself as being "on a long journey of physical and emotional healing," she is still concerned about "the lack of security at one of the largest Muslim gatherings on the day of Eid in Hartford."
Also Read: Mysterious Disappearance: Belarus President Claims Wagner's Prigozhin Hiding in Russia
The man made lewd remarks, grabbed Khan, hit her, and threw her to the ground, according to Farhan Memon, the chair of the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Khan, a Democrat from Windsor, will speak about the incident at a news conference on Thursday at the Legislative Office Building. Unless they publicly identify themselves, those who report attempted sexual assaults are typically not named by The Associated Press.
At his arraignment last week, Andrey Desmond, 30, was held without bail after being charged with misdemeanour assault, unlawful restraint, breach of peace, and interfering with police. He may still be charged with more crimes, according to the authorities.
Desmond's public defender was contacted via email for comment, but there was no prompt response.
According to a police report, Desmond allegedly tried to kiss Khan and made lewd remarks to her. According to the report, when the lawmaker tried to back away, Desmond smacked her across the face and let go of her neck, causing her to fall to the ground with only minor injuries. According to Khan, she has never met Desmond.
Also Read: Janet Yellen: Visit to China in an effort to improve tense relations
Police claim that after Desmond had stopped fighting and been held down by two bystanders, one of them kicked him in the face. According to the report, that man will likely face assault charges. No charges have been brought against the bystanders, according to a spokesperson for Hartford Police, and the incident is still being looked into. When Khan won a special election for the position in March 2022, she became the first Muslim member of the Connecticut House.