New felony charges, including attempted sexual assault, have been brought against Andrey Desmond, the man accused of attacking Connecticut State Representative Maryam Khan following a prayer service. However, despite calls from Khan's supporters, hate crime charges have not been filed.

The case proceeded in Hartford Superior Court on Monday, with supporters of Rep. Khan, including several local imams, present. Farhan Memon, chairman of the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, expressed his confusion over the lack of hate crime charges, emphasizing the importance of such charges in sending a strong message against bias-motivated violence.

Hartford State's Attorney Sharmese Walcott explained that the additional charges stem from a comprehensive review of evidence, including video footage and a statement from Desmond indicating his intent to force sexual contact. Walcott further revealed that Desmond made this statement in front of three children under the age of 16, who experienced mental trauma as a result.

Initially facing misdemeanor charges like third-degree assault and unlawful restraint after the June 28th incident, Desmond now faces felony charges of attempted third-degree sexual assault, second-degree assault, strangulation, and risk of injury to children. He remains in custody with bail set at $250,000 and is due back in court on August 22nd. Desmond's public defender did not respond to requests for comment.

This booking photo, provided by the Hartford Police Department, shows Andrey Desmond. (Hartford Police Department via AP)

Rep. Khan, a Democrat from Windsor, recounted the events leading up to the attack. She stated that she and her family were taking pictures outside the arena after Eid al-Adha prayers when a man, later identified as Desmond, approached them and made inappropriate comments about wanting to engage in sexual acts with one of them, including Khan's 15-year-old daughter. He then followed them inside and continued to harass Khan, attempting to grab her face and shirt and demanding a kiss. The assault continued outside, where Desmond slapped Khan across the face after she evaded his advances. He then put her in a chokehold, mimicked holding a gun, and threw her to the ground. Khan suffered a concussion and injuries to her right arm and shoulder.

Two bystanders apprehended Desmond until police arrived and arrested him. Khan has criticized the Hartford Police Department for what she perceives as downplaying the severity of the attack and has called for a federal investigation into their handling of violent crimes, especially those against women. Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody has offered his sympathies to Khan and stated that the department will review its response to the incident.