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

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, is charged with second- and third-degree hate crime assault and misdemeanor 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 p.m., the Uber driver was completing a ride for Guilbeault and another person, who were seated in the back of his car.

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

Guilbeault reportedly lunged forward toward the driver’s seat, holding a can of pepper spray. She sprayed the driver in the face, “causing burns, 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,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. statement. “The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not have to face this kind of hatred because of his identity. Everyone is welcome to 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.”

The prosecution states that the charges contained in the indictment are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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