Saudi Authorities Investigate Incident at Masjid al-Nabawi Involving Female Visitor and Security Officer

Medina: Saudi authorities have launched an investigation following an incident at the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) where a female visitor allegedly slapped a male security officer, prompting a strong response from the officer. The video of the incident, which went viral on social media, has raised concerns and sparked speculation regarding the nationality of the woman involved.

The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security issued a statement clarifying the incident. It was reported that the woman attempted to use an unauthorized path at the mosque, and when a security officer instructed her to take a different route, she slapped him. In retaliation, the officer slapped her twice before other security guards intervened.

Following the release of the video, several rumors circulated on social media, with some users claiming that the woman was of Pakistani descent, and others mistakenly suggesting that the incident took place at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca. However, Saudi Gazette confirmed that the incident occurred at Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, and the local police are actively investigating the matter.

The Saudi authorities have emphasized that such attacks on security personnel will not be tolerated, and legal actions will be taken against anyone found responsible for assaulting security staff. The police have also assured that all necessary legal procedures are being followed.

In the video, two women are seen moving towards plastic barriers, and one of them, who appears to be Pakistani, slaps a male security officer. The officer responds by slapping her several times before being stopped by other security personnel. The women then retreat, and no female security staff is seen in the video.

The authorities have yet to release further details about the identity or nationality of the woman involved but reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of security officers and maintaining public order.