The New York Police Department has arrested a man accused of harassing an off-duty Muslim police officer previously commended for heroism.
The NYPD said Monday that 36-year-old Christopher Nelson has been arrested on charges of menacing as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.
Authorities say the officer, who was wearing a Muslim head covering, encountered Nelson yelling and pushing her 16-year-old son on Saturday evening in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. When she intervened, Nelson referenced Islamic State and threatened to slit her throat.
City officials hailed Officer Aml Elsokary as a hero in 2014, after she ran into a burning building to save a baby.