With the approach of summer comes the dread that fills anyone unfortunate enough to have ever experienced the death-sentence-like arrival of a wedding invitation. More mediocre food. More forced smiles. More wishing you were dead while the elderly struggle through what might be their very last chicken dance. But while all that’s to be expected, nobody ever anticipates an acid-tossing crazy woman. Authorities aren’t yet sure why Rihab Hagelkhider chose to crash a Sudanese wedding party in Schenectady, New York, and hurl acid in the general direction of one woman’s face. Firefighters called to the scene thought they were responding to a hot-water burn call even after the “water” melted their latex gloves. Schenectady firefighter Darren Marino explains that there was a bit of a language barrier between authorities and the guests.

“I didn’t understand anything,” Marino recalled. “But I understand pain.” Marino and Hagelkhider were among the six injured. Hagelkhider was charged with reckless endangerment and assault.

» Scott Saxon