Stuart Seldowitz, a former National Security Council advisor to President Barack Obama, has been arrested and charged with aggravated harassment, a hate crime, and stalking after a disturbing incident where he targeted a halal cart worker in New York City.
The charges stem from Seldowitz’s Islamophobic slurs and threats directed at the halal cart worker. He allegedly threatened to deport the worker to Egypt, suggested torturing the worker’s parents, and made derogatory remarks, including a disturbing reference to the worker’s daughter.
Seldowitz faces a total of five counts related to the incident. The arrest comes after video footage captured him verbally assaulting the halal cart worker, making explicit threats, and engaging in hate speech.
In a weak apology, Seldowitz expressed regret for the incident, stating, “I regret that the whole thing happened.” He acknowledged having an argument with a food vendor, but his apology lacked a clear acknowledgment of the severity of his actions.
“If I had to do it all over again, I would not have raised the religious aspect,” Seldowitz added, attempting to downplay the religiously motivated nature of his comments.
The incident adds to Seldowitz’s legal troubles, as he was also caught on camera harassing a Russian individual in a separate video.
The arrest and charges underscore the serious consequences of hate crimes and harassment, regardless of an individual’s background or former professional affiliations. Seldowitz will face legal proceedings to address the charges brought against him.
