A New York woman faces hate crime charges after allegedly pepper-spraying a Muslim Uber driver during his prayer, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office reported.

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, was indicted on several hate crime charges on Monday for allegedly spraying a 45-year-old Uber driver with pepper spray as he began to pray in Arabic, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office.

Court documents detail that Guilbeault leaned toward the driver’s seat and sprayed him directly in the face, causing pain and a burning sensation. The incident occurred on July 31 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, near Central Park at East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue.

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The driver, identified as Shohel Mahmud, called 911 following the incident, leading to Guilbeault’s arrest. She has since been formally charged in the state Supreme Court and is scheduled for a court appearance in January. Her lawyer, Michael J. Alber, has yet to comment on the case.

“Jennifer Guilbeault is accused of assaulting a Muslim Uber driver while he was simply doing his job,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “The victim is a hardworking New Yorker who should not be subjected to this kind of hate because of his identity. Manhattan is a place for everyone to live and work in peace."

Guilbeault faces charges of Assault in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime, Assault in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime, and Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree. Manhattan’s Hate Crimes Unit is actively working to address bias-motivated violence, underscoring the city’s commitment to inclusivity and safety for all.