Hartford police Wednesday arrested a Connecticut woman following the assault of a state rep during Eid prayer service.
ABC News reports that Andrey Desmond, 30, faces charges of unlawful restraint and assault in the second degree and interfering with police.
The Council of American Islamic Relations identified the victim as State Rep Maryam Khan. The group says Khan along with her 15 and 10-year old daughters and 12-year-old son were with Khan’s sister and a female friend when the attack occurred.
The group said a man approached the state rep and made vulgar and obscene remarks. Khan alleged the attacker grabbed her and threw her to the ground, according to CAIR.
“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.
The Eid holiday commemorates the prophet Abraham who sacrificed his son Abraham at God’s command.
“All too often we have seen American Muslims, or those perceived to be Muslim, targeted by hate because of their attire, race or ethnicity,” Memon continued.
KXXV reports organizers of the prayer service expected a crowd of 5,000 at Wednesday’s gathering. CAIR questioned why more police were not on hand.
“Rep. Khan is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about passing legislation that uplifts her constituents in Hartford and Windsor. I’m keeping her and her loved ones in my thoughts,” said Gov Ned Lamont who called the attack “disturbing.”
The injuries to Khan are described as minor.
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