HARTFORD, CT – A recent internal affairs investigation by Hartford police shed light on the violent attack endured by state Representative Maryam Khan at the XL Center during a Muslim prayer service last year. The investigation followed a disturbing incident where 30-year-old Andrey Desmond allegedly attempted to sexually assault and choke Khan, ultimately throwing her to the ground.
Body camera footage from the day of the attack was revealed for the first time as a result of a Freedom of Information request made by Eyewitness News. In the footage, Khan’s distress was palpable as she recounted the lack of assistance from security or police during the harrowing ordeal.
In response to the incident, Khan called for a Department of Justice investigation into how Hartford police handle sexual assault cases involving women. Consequently, Hartford police initiated an internal affairs investigation into the officers’ response that day, examining dispatch call logs, response times, and the body camera footage.
Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody addressed the investigation’s findings, acknowledging shortcomings in an initial report filed by one of the responding officers. However, he clarified that the reporting errors were rectified later in the investigation and did not impact the case. Allegations against the responding officers were ultimately deemed unfounded.
Footage obtained through the Freedom of Information request captured the moments after the attack, showing individuals stepping in to help Khan. Jason Spencer, one of the good Samaritans, was later arrested and charged with assault for his actions. Although Spencer was granted accelerated rehabilitation and had his charges dismissed after court proceedings.
As the internal affairs investigation concluded, a recommendation was made for one of the responding officers to undergo re-training on report writing. Eyewitness News attempted to reach out to a spokesperson for Khan for further comments but received no immediate response. The investigation’s release marks a significant step in holding law enforcement accountable for their handling of sensitive cases involving violence against women.