New York Woman Indicted for Hate Crime After Pepper-Spraying Muslim Uber Driver During Prayer

A 23-year-old New York woman has been indicted on hate crime charges for allegedly pepper-spraying a Muslim Uber driver during his prayer. Jennifer Guilbeault faces multiple charges stemming from the attack on the 45-year-old driver, which occurred as he began praying in Arabic. 

According to court documents and statements, Guilbeault is accused of leaning forward from the back seat and spraying the driver in the face, causing intense pain and a burning sensation. The assault took place on July 31 near Central Park, at the corner of East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue, on Manhattan's Upper East Side, officials said. 

Uber Driver Shohel Mahmud 

 The driver, Shohel Mahmud, called 911 following the incident, leading to Guilbeault's arrest. The state Supreme Court has since formally charged her and scheduled her to appear in court in January. Her attorney, Michael J. Alber, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The driver, Shohel Mahmud, called 911 following the incident, leading to Guilbeault's arrest. The state Supreme Court has since formally charged her and scheduled her to appear in court in January. Her attorney, Michael J. Alber, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

“As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly assaulted a Muslim Uber driver while he was just doing his job. The victim is a hardworking New Yorker who should not have to face this type of hate because of his identity. Everyone is welcome to live and work in Manhattan,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. 

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

Bragg reaffirmed the city’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and highlighted the Hate Crimes Unit’s efforts to combat violence fueled by prejudice. 

Guilbeault's defense team contended that the case did not meet the criteria for a hate crime, arguing that a thorough examination of the evidence would prove otherwise. “Ms. Guilbeault’s actions were not driven by race, religion, national origin, or any other discriminatory reason,” her lawyer, Michael J. Alber, said in a statement. 

“This case needs to be looked at with all surrounding circumstances, which include assessing all of the evidence and the lack of evidence,” he added. 

A native of Northbridge, Mass., Guilbeault earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, and applied communication from a Bronx university. She also served as vice president and social chair for her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, according to an online profile. 

Since the onset of the Gaza war, reports of antisemitism, as well as anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination, have increased in the United States.