Former Obama Adviser's Islamophobic Harassment of NYC Street Vendor Ends in Freedom

Stuart Seldowitz, a former high-ranking U.S. national security official, was released on Thanksgiving after being arrested for hate crime stalking and aggressive harassment against a halal cart vendor in New York City. Videos surfaced online showing Seldowitz issuing racist threats and Islamophobic remarks towards the vendor. Despite his arrest, Seldowitz pleaded not guilty and was released without bail. The incident sparked outrage and support for the vendor from New Yorkers, with city councilwoman Julie Menin emphasizing that hate and harassment have no place in the community. Seldowitz's past positions and diplomatic connections added gravity to the threats.