Man Sentenced to Five Years for Attack on Muslim State Representative in Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. — A man who attacked a Muslim state representative outside a prayer service in Connecticut was sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday for attempted sexual assault and other crimes. The punishment is considered too lenient by the victim, Rep. Maryam Khan, the first Muslim to serve in the state House of Representatives.

The Attack and Legal Proceedings

Andrey Desmond, 31, was sentenced in Hartford Superior Court in connection with the June 2023 assault on Rep. Maryam Khan. Desmond pleaded guilty in April to attempted third-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree strangulation, and risk of injury to a minor — all felonies. Following his prison sentence, Desmond will serve parole, register as a sex offender, and receive mental health treatment.

Mental Health Considerations

Desmond’s public defender, John Stawicki, stated in court that Desmond regretted his actions and has struggled with mental illness, including schizophrenia. Desmond himself acknowledged, “The events that happened were out of my control. I didn’t have any self-control.”

Court records indicate Desmond has a history of mental illness and, after a court-ordered evaluation, was found competent to stand trial.

The Victim's Perspective

Rep. Maryam Khan, a Democrat from the Hartford suburb of Windsor, described the assault as a tragic event that underscored significant gaps in the mental health care system and victim protection. In a statement, Khan said, “What happened to me just over a year ago was tragic and will leave a mark on my life and all of those involved. But I am proud to see some semblance of justice today. It is important to note that what occurred that day is far more common than we would care to admit.”

Khan further emphasized the need for systemic improvements: “This incident highlights the urgent necessity for better mental health care provisions and more robust measures to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals, especially those at risk of targeted violence.”

Details of the Assault

The assault occurred after Khan attended a service at the XL Center arena in Hartford with her family to mark Eid al-Adha, the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage by Muslims to Mecca. Khan and her family, including her 15-year-old daughter, were taking photos outside the arena when Desmond approached and declared his intention to have sexual relations with one of them.

Desmond followed them inside, specifically pursuing Khan. He grabbed at her face and shirt, demanding a kiss. When Khan tried to evade him, Desmond slapped her across the face, placed her in a chokehold, mimicked having a gun, and slammed her into the ground. Khan sustained a concussion and injuries to her right arm and shoulder.

Call for Hate Crime Charges

Rep. Khan had called for hate crime charges to be filed against Desmond. The attack, occurring during a significant Muslim religious event, highlighted the potential for hate-motivated violence. “This was not just an attack on me but an attack on our entire community,” Khan stated. “The fact that it happened during Eid al-Adha makes it even more poignant and concerning.”

Bystanders' Intervention

Desmond was apprehended by two bystanders who held him until the police arrived. One of the bystanders, a military veteran, was charged with misdemeanor assault but was approved for a pretrial diversion program that will erase the charge upon completion. Their quick intervention potentially prevented further harm and underscored the importance of community vigilance.

Systemic Issues and Future Actions

The case has drawn attention to broader systemic issues related to mental health care and the protection of vulnerable populations. Mental health advocates argue that better mental health support and intervention programs could prevent similar incidents in the future. “We need to ensure that individuals like Desmond receive the care they need before they commit such acts,” said a mental health expert involved in the case.

Rep. Khan has vowed to continue her advocacy work in the state legislature, focusing on improving mental health services and enhancing protections against hate crimes. “This experience has only strengthened my resolve to work towards a safer and more inclusive society,” Khan said. “We must address the root causes of such violence and ensure that our communities are protected and supported.”

Conclusion

The sentencing of Andrey Desmond brings some closure to a disturbing incident that has had a lasting impact on Rep. Maryam Khan and her family. While the legal system has addressed the criminal actions, the case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health care, victim protection, and the potential for hate crimes. As Khan continues her work in the state legislature, her experience underscores the importance of addressing these critical issues within the community. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive approaches to mental health and public safety, ensuring that similar acts of violence are prevented in the future.