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

A New York woman has been charged with a hate crime after she allegedly pepper-sprayed her Uber driver in what authorities are calling an “anti-Muslim attack.”

On Monday, New York Supreme Court indicted Jennifer Guilbeau on charges related to an incident that occurred on the Upper East Side around 12:15 a.m. on July 31.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, citing court documents and statements made in court, said Guilbeau and another person were behind the 45-year-old Uber driver’s car when he stopped at a red light and began praying in Arabic. Guilbeau then lunged for the driver’s seat and pepper spray sprayed him in the face, “causing burning, redness and pain,” Bragg said in press release.

Minutes later, the driver called 911 and Guilbeau was arrested at the scene, Bragg said.

“Jennifer Guilbeau is alleged to have senselessly assaulted a Muslim Uber driver while he was simply doing his job,” Bragg said. “The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not have to face this type of hate because of who he is. Everyone can live and work in Manhattan, and our Hate Crimes Unit will continue to fight bias-motivated attacks through thorough investigation and prosecution, outreach and victim support.”

Guilbeau was charged with one count each of 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 back in court in January after pleading not guilty to the charges.