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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
