Advisor to former U.S. President Barack Obama, Stewart Seldowitz, was arrested on Wednesday night after assaulting an Egyptian vendor in New York and accusing him of being a "terrorist." The assault occurred when Seldowitz approached the Egyptian youth, hurling racial slurs at him and making unprecedented accusations, prompting police intervention.
Seldowitz continued his attacks on the Egyptian youth over several days, twice during the day and once at night, refusing to leave. Charges against him include harassment, stalking, as well as a hate crime and another charge intending to instill fear in the workplace.
Seldowitz declined to watch the videos, confirming that he apologized for his actions. He was dismissed from the Gotham Government Relations company due to his hostile and racist behavior. The New York City Council issued an apology to the Egyptian vendor, and the company's president expressed readiness to represent the vendor in court if he decides to file a lawsuit.
