Woman charged with hate crimes after pepper-spraying Muslim Uber driver

A New York woman is facing hate crime charges after she allegedly pepper-sprayed an Uber driver in what authorities are calling an “anti-Muslim attack.”

Jennifer Guilbeault was indicted Monday in New York Supreme Court for her alleged actions in connection with an incident that occurred on July 31 on the Upper East Side around 12:15 p.m.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, citing court documents and statements filed in court, said Guilbeault and another person were sitting in the back of the 45-year-old Uber driver’s car when he arrived at a red light and began praying in Arabic. Guilbeault then threw himself into the driver’s seat and pepper was sprayed on his face, “causing burning, redness and pain,” Bragg said in press release.

Bragg said a few minutes later, the driver called 911 and Guilbeault was arrested at the scene.

“As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly attacked a Muslim Uber driver while he was doing his job,” Bragg said. “The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not face this type of hatred because of his identity. Anyone can live and work in Manhattan, and our Hate Crimes Unit will continue to address bias-motivated attacks by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting cases, conducting community outreach and supporting victims.”

Guilbeault was charged with second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree aggravated harassment. The 23-year-old is expected to return to court in January after pleading not guilty to the charges in her arraignment.