Detroit Family Files $50M Lawsuit After Girl's Throat Slashed in Park

The family of 8-year-old Saida Mashrah has filed a $50 million civil lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court against 73‑74-year-old Gary Lansky over the Oct. 8, 2024 attack at Ryan/Lloyd Ryan Park in Detroit that allegedly slit her throat and required about 20 stitches. Lansky is charged with assault with intent to murder and felonious assault, pleaded not guilty, and a judge recently found him competent to stand trial after a mental‑health evaluation delayed the family’s decision to sue; he remains in custody on bond and has upcoming court dates. The complaint says Lansky pulled up in a van, walked up to Saida, lifted her chin, slashed her throat, then tried to stab her and her grandmother (who was wearing a hijab), and the family believes the attack was motivated by anti‑Muslim bias even though prosecutors initially did not file hate‑crime charges. Saida has largely recovered physically but continues to suffer nightmares, fear of strangers, school changes and ongoing emotional trauma. Her attorneys say they will pursue Lansky’s assets and seek accountability for the lasting harm to Saida, her mother and grandmother.