A bias-motivated assault at Denver’s Washington Park has left a mother and her young children terrified to return, while local law enforcement actively searches for the suspect. The incident, which unfolded over two days at the popular public green space, is currently being investigated by bias-motivated crime investigators within the Denver Police Department.
The victim, who asked to be identified only as “Aisha” for her own personal safety, frequently visited the busy park to walk, run, and get some fresh air with her family. On Tuesday, she was spending time at the location with her baby and a friend when an unknown man allegedly hurled a derogatory comment targeting her religious faith. According to Aisha, the individual stated, “Killer muslim. Allahu Akbar,” initiating a series of hostile encounters.
The situation escalated the following day when Aisha returned to the park alongside her young children. Spotting the same individual from the previous day, she pulled out her cell phone to record video footage for her own protection. The man attempted to snatch the device directly from her grasp.
“He went to grab my phone from my hand. I keep holding my phone very tight in my left hand and my right hand. I move it away from him and, directly, he come choking me,” Aisha said. “I can’t breathe. My kids [were] with me, and he pushed me in the back.”
According to the victim, bystanders intervened just in time to protect her from further harm before the assailant fled the scene. “Like, if he keep doing that, I think I’m going to die,” she recounted.
Police Response and Investigation Details
The Denver Police Department confirmed that officers responded to the area near South Franklin Street and East Kentucky Avenue at approximately 10:09 a.m. following reports of an assault. They say the man attacked the victim and tried to take her property, but then ran away.
“It was reported during this investigation that the same suspect made bias-motivated statements to the victim the day prior. No arrests have been made at this stage of the investigation while investigators work to identify the suspect,” the department stated, adding that bias-motivated crime investigators are handling the case.
Following the physical altercation, Aisha was taken to the hospital where she was examined by a forensic nurse. Law enforcement officials have urged anyone possessing relevant information regarding the attack to contact Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
Impact on the Family
In the wake of the assault, Aisha reports lingering fear about going outside, noting that her children remain traumatized by the event. She shared that the emotional toll is already manifesting in distressing ways at home.
“Yesterday when we wake up, the first thing one of my kids said for me, ‘Mom, what if you are die,'” Aisha said.
Investigators continue to review available evidence and are asking members of the public who may recognize the attacker to come forward.
