HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Police Department has unveiled the results of an internal investigation into the violent assault on state Representative Maryam Khan by a man named Andrey Desmond at the XL Center last year. This revelation comes after Eyewitness News made a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
During a Muslim prayer service on June 28th, 2023, Khan was reportedly attacked by Desmond, who attempted to kiss her, placed her in a chokehold, and threw her to the ground. Following the incident, Khan was arrested and faced charges of attempted sexual assault and strangulation. In the aftermath, she voiced concerns about the lack of immediate assistance from security or law enforcement during the attack.
In response to the incident, Khan called for a thorough investigation by the Department of Justice into how Hartford police handle cases of sexual assault involving women. This call to action prompted the Hartford Police Department to launch its internal affairs inquiry into the officers who were present at the scene that day.
Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody released a statement in which he acknowledged that an initial report filed by one of the responding officers lacked essential information but clarified that it did not affect the outcome of the case. The internal investigation found the remaining allegations against the officers to be baseless.
Footing obtained through a Freedom of Information request captured the moments after bystanders intervened to help Khan. The footage depicted Jason Spencer kicking the attacker and striking him with a stick. Spencer was subsequently arrested and charged with assault, though his charges were ultimately dropped after pursuing accelerated rehabilitation through the legal system.
As the internal affairs investigation drew to a close, it was recommended that one of the responding officers undergo retraining in report writing. Efforts to reach Khan’s spokesperson for comment were unavailing at the time of reporting. The findings of the inquiry shed light on the actions taken by Hartford police in response to the violent attack on Khan, underscoring the importance of accountability in handling cases of assault and supporting victims in their pursuit of justice.