New York woman who pepper-sprayed Muslim Uber driver charged with hate crime

(CNN) — A New York woman has been charged with a hate crime after she pepper-sprayed a Muslim Uber driver during prayer, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.

On Monday, 23-year-old Jennifer Guilbeault was charged with multiple hate crimes after she pepper-sprayed a 45-year-old Uber driver when he began praying in Arabic. according to the press release from the prosecutor.

Guilbeault lunged forward toward the driver’s seat and pepper-sprayed his face, causing pain and burning as the driver began to pray, officials said, citing court documents and statements filed in court. According to the release, the attack occurred on July 31 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, near Central Park – at the intersection of East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue.

Mahmud then called 911 and Guilbeault was arrested. She was formally charged by the state Supreme Court and is scheduled to return for trial in January. Her attorney, Michael J. Alber, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

“As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly attacked a Muslim Uber driver while he was doing his job. The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not face this type of hate because of his identity. Anyone can live and work in Manhattan,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The charges against Guilbeault include one count each of second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree aggravated harassment.

CNN has reached out to the NYPD for comment.

Bragg emphasized Manhattan’s commitment to inclusivity and the Hate Crimes Unit’s ongoing efforts to combat bias-motivated violence.