World · Europe · 6 hrs ago
British police officer faces abuse after award for promoting inclusion
Muslim police officer Fiona Sheikh Omar faced online abuse in Britain after receiving an award for her contribution to women in policing.
She was recognised for leading the Hijab Project, which introduced uniform options for Muslim women officers.
Some critics cited an older photo of her holding a firearm and questioned her safety practices, but the criticism also included racist and Islamophobic abuse.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley condemned the attacks as vile and said women officers from ethnic and religious minorities are especially targeted.
The abuse highlights the barriers some women face in public service and efforts to make UK police forces more inclusive.
Sheikh Omar says she will continue promoting inclusion and representation in British policing.
Muslim police officer Fiona Sheikh Omar faced racist and Islamophobic abuse on social media after receiving an award for her contribution to policing.
She was recognised for leading a national initiative called the Hijab Project, which introduced uniform options for Muslim women officers.
Some critics used a 2024 LinkedIn photo of her holding a firearm to question her professional competence and allege a safety breach.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley condemned the abuse as “vile and appalling.”
Sheikh Omar said in a video that she was grateful for the award and remained committed to inclusion and women’s representation in policing.
- Who
- Fiona Sheikh Omar, a Muslim police officer in Britain, and those who targeted her online.
- What
- She received an award for her contribution to policing and then faced racist and Islamophobic abuse.
- When
- The award was given on the Wednesday before the articles were published on 23 October 2026.
- Where
- Britain; the abuse appeared on social media.
- Why
- She was recognised for leading the Hijab Project, which provided new uniform options for Muslim women officers. Some critics also cited a 2024 photo of her holding a firearm to question her conduct.
Online critics
Fiona Sheikh Omar and her defenders
Firearm photo
Online critics
Some critics alleged that her finger was on the trigger and questioned her compliance with safety standards.
Fiona Sheikh Omar and her defenders
Rowley condemned the racist, anti-Muslim and misogynistic abuse directed at her.
Award and inclusion work
Online critics
Critics attacked her after she received the award, with some using the photo to question her competence.
Fiona Sheikh Omar and her defenders
Her award recognised her leadership of the Hijab Project, which expanded uniform options for Muslim women officers.
Sheikh Omar posted a photo on LinkedIn showing her holding a firearm beside a colleague.
She received the award at the police federation’s annual conference.
Social media users targeted her, including over the 2024 photo.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley publicly condemned the abuse.
- Award
- Outstanding Contribution by Women in Policing
- Initiative
- Hijab Project
- Photo
- Posted on LinkedIn in 2024
- Commissioner
- Sir Mark Rowley
- Award event
- Police federation annual conference
3 sources
What people are saying
The torrent of vile, racist, anti-Muslim and misogynistic abuse was appalling.
It is a horrible world to be a public servant.
Keeping your finger on the trigger is a serious mistake, well below safety standards, and I hope the training standards for armed officers are not being lowered.