Surveillance Video Captures Army Officer Being Attacked at Walmart for His Military Service

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Video surveillance footage from an Albany Walmart store shows a uniformed U.S. Army officer being attacked by a man who police say verbally harassed the soldier for his military service.

Albany police released the footage after charging 47-year-old Yiqiang Wu of Schenectady with assault as a hate crime for Thursday's fight at a checkout line.

Capt. Andrew McClure of the New York Army National Guard told police that a man behind him in line began to yell derogatory comments about the United States and his service to the nation. Police say Wu then struck the officer several times in the face. The officer was treated at the scene.

The video shows McClure, dressed in camouflage fatigues, confronting Wu before being attacked.

Wu is free on bail. It couldn't be determined if he had a lawyer and there is no phone listed in his name.

"The Army National Guard is proud of Capt. McClure's strength, conduct and responsible behavior and restraint in responding and we thank the other customers at Walmart for their support," said Col. Rich Goldenberg of the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs.