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Woman accused of pepper-spraying Uber driver while he prayed in Arabic
1 min read

Woman accused of pepper-spraying Uber driver while he prayed in Arabic

MANHATTAN, NY. (Gray News) – A woman faces hate crime charges after she allegedly pepper sprayed an Uber driver while he was praying.

23-year-old Jennifer Guilbeault is charged with assault in the second and third degrees as a hate crime and aggravated assault.

According to the indictmentGuilbeault allegedly pepper-sprayed a 45-year-old Uber driver in an anti-Muslim attack on the Upper East Side in July 2024.

According to court records and statements, on July 31, 2024, at approximately 12:15 a.m., the Uber driver was in the process of completing a ride for Guilbeault and another person, who was in the back of his car.

As the driver approached a red light, he began to pray in Arabic.

Guilbeault allegedly lunged forward at the driver’s seat with a can of pepper spray. She sprayed the driver in the face, “which caused burning, redness and pain.”

Minutes later, the driver called 911 and Guilbeault was arrested at the scene.

“As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly assaulted a Muslim Uber driver while he was just doing his job,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. said. statement. “The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not have to face this kind of hate because of her identity. Everyone is welcome to live and work in Manhattan, and our Hate Crimes Unit will continue to address bias-motivated attacks by thoroughly investigate and prosecute cases, conduct community outreach and support victims.”

The District Attorney’s Office states that the allegations in the indictment are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.