Former Olympian Kim Glass was nearly blinded after an assault with a metal pipe on Monday (July 11). The unprovoked attack was executed by 51-year-old Semoen Tesfamariam.
According to LA County DA George Gascón, the homeless attacker has had a troubling history of attacking random people with dangerous weapons. He also stated that the perpetrator’s behavior appeared to have only escalated with time. Tesfamariam has had previous felony assault arrests since 2018 and has been violating probation and parole ever since. Gascón continued, “We have asked the court to preventatively detain him to protect the public. The court granted that request and he is currently being held without bail.”
Tesfamariam is facing one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon, and if convicted, would have to face 11 years in California state prison. Because the court deemed him unfit to stand trial the day after the attack, his arraignment has been rescheduled for August 17th.
Despite this, Kim Glass still managed to keep a smile on her face in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday. She added the caption: I’m healing… Thanks for all the messages and love… healing vibes & prayers…” In this heartfelt message, Glass discussed that she wants this incident to be an opportunity for change and a pivotal moment in time to protect victims of random assault.
In the video, she stated that “I’ve been trying to understand what are the best ways to house the unhoused people and the mentally ill people,” she continued, “But at the same time, stand up for the victims of these crimes and clean our streets.” Glass shared with viewers that she has been completing having conversations with political leaders in hopes of pushing important discussions for change.
Since the incident, Kim Glass has been receiving an overwhelming amount of love and support from loved ones and fans. Let’s continue to pray for her speedy recovery!