HARTFORD, Conn. — Wednesday marked Eid al-Fitr, an annual Muslim prayer service held at the end of Ramadan after a month of fasting.
Organizers of an observance event at the XL Center in Hartford said there was a push for an increased police presence at the venue after State Rep. Maryam Khan was attacked outside the center after the last prayer service in June.
According to the organizers, their goal was to keep people safe as they marked the end of Ramadan, also known as the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.
The police report filed at the time of Khan’s attack said a man named Andrey Desmond threw her to the ground, strangled her, and assaulted her.
The incident took place after the prayer service that Khan attended with her family. Desmond has been in jail ever since.
Organizers at Wednesday's event said they had an increased police presence on site to prevent any sort of attacks or crime happening at the service. There were dozens of officers stationed outside the XL Center, lining the perimeter with marked cars and officers in uniform. There were also a few dozen officers inside the venue in both uniforms and plain clothes.
Mobashar Akram, an event organizer, said they wanted to ensure everyone attending the service had no fear of someone participating in a violent or hateful act.
“We have worked with the Hartford Police Department for months, they assured us because of the conflict in Gaza and other incidents that happened in the past that we will have their support. They will be here for people to enjoy the peace and enjoy the day,” Akram said.
According to Akram, the police presence is twofold to keep people safe as tensions and opinions about the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war continues.
Due to the war, organizers said that instead of a celebration, they would mourn for the lives lost in Gaza instead.
“This year again it’s more of an observance than a celebration because there’s not a single Muslim in the entire world that is not hurting because of the suffering being inflicted on Gaza these days,” Akram said.
Akram said that the day was expected to be emotional and their goal was to make sure people could worship in peace.
Brooke Griffin is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at bgriffin@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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