Who was reported to be harassing pedestrians on a corner?

The correct answer is that the individual reported to be harassing pedestrians on a corner was a panhandler. This term specifically refers to someone who asks for money or assistance from passersby, and it often carries connotations of aggressive or persistent behavior that can make pedestrians uncomfortable. In many cases, panhandlers may strongly approach or engage pedestrians in efforts to solicit donations, which can be perceived as harassment.

The context of this question likely considers the implications of various roles people might have on city streets. While a homeless person could be involved in panhandling, not all homeless individuals engage in this behavior, and the term itself encompasses a broader range of actions associated with soliciting money. Street performers and local vendors typically engage in more legitimate and socially accepted forms of interaction with the public, focusing on providing entertainment or selling goods, respectively, without it inherently being considered harassment. Therefore, the specific association of panhandlers with unsolicited and potentially aggressive solicitation makes this choice the best fit for the scenario presented.