After social media erupted over the actions of former President Barack Obama's advisor, Stuart Seldowitz, who assaulted an Egyptian vendor in New York and accused him of being a "terrorist," a spokesperson for the New York Police confirmed that the man was arrested on Wednesday night.
The incident began when Seldowitz assaulted a young Egyptian who was standing selling his goods in New York City, approaching him with insults and racist slurs. He also stated that the killing of 4,000 Palestinian children in Gaza "is not enough," referencing the unprecedented Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. He then took pictures of the Arab young man, labeling him as "ignorant."
Seldowitz mocked the vendor for not speaking English fluently, accused him of working in the United States without permits or visas, and labeled him a "terrorist." As the young man tried to dissuade him from his actions, Seldowitz continued his tirades, returning to the same store over several days, once at night and twice during the day, and each time refusing to leave, as documented by video clips.
Additionally, Seldowitz is facing two charges of aggravated harassment and three stalking charges, one under the city's hate crime law, one for intent to incite fear, and another for doing so in the victim's workplace, according to the New York Times. In a phone interview, the accused claimed he had not watched the videos and had asked the vendor if he was Egyptian, expressing regret for his actions.
Stuart Seldowitz was terminated from his position at Gotham Government Relations due to his aggressive behavior, with the company stating it has "ended all ties with Stuart Seldowitz due to despicable and racist actions that contradict ethical standards." The company president stated he is willing to represent the vendor in court if he wishes to sue the former diplomat.
It is worth noting that the New York City Council apologized to the Egyptian vendor for the racist verbal assault by the former diplomat.
