A man named Andrey Desmond was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted sexual assault on Muslim state representative Maryam Khan in 2023. Desmond pleaded guilty to attempted third-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree strangulation, and risk of injury to a minor. After serving his prison time, he will be on parole, have to register as a sex offender, and undergo mental health treatment. According to his public defender, Desmond has struggled with mental illness, including schizophrenia, and expressed regret for his actions, claiming they were out of his control.
Maryam Khan spoke out about the assault, highlighting it as an example of serious gaps in the mental health care system and victim safety and protection. She commended the justice system for holding Desmond accountable but emphasized that similar occurrences are more common than people realize. Court records revealed Desmond’s history of mental illness, and after a court-ordered evaluation, he was deemed competent to stand trial. Khan had initially called for hate crime charges to be filed against Desmond. The attack on Khan occurred when Desmond approached her and her family after a prayer service at the XL Center arena in Hartford, expressing his intention to have sexual relations with one of them.
During the incident, Desmond followed Khan and her family inside the arena, specifically targeting Khan by grabbing at her face and shirt, demanding a kiss. He then pursued her outside, attempting to grab her face again and becoming angry when she evaded his advances. As Khan tried to avoid him, Desmond slapped her across the face, put her in a chokehold, mimicked having a gun with his hand, and forcefully slammed her to the ground. Khan suffered a concussion, as well as injuries to her right arm and shoulder as a result of the attack. Despite the trauma she endured, Khan publicly identified herself and spoke about the incident to bring attention to the issue of victim safety and mental health care.
Following the assault, Khan expressed gratitude for the semblance of justice achieved through Desmond’s sentencing. She acknowledged the impact the attack has had on her life and all involved, emphasizing the importance of addressing similar incidents that often go unnoticed. Desmond’s case has shed light on the need for improved mental health care and victim protection measures within the community. While Desmond claimed a lack of control over his actions due to his mental illness, the court held him accountable for his crimes, ensuring that he receives the necessary treatment and support upon completion of his prison sentence. Khan’s bravery in speaking out about her ordeal serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by victims of assault and the importance of advocating for their rights and well-being.
