23 year old Jennifer Guilbeault who was fired from her job as a PR assistant at D. Pagan Communications has been indicted for Second Degree Assault (Hate crime), Third Degree Assault (Hate crime) and Second Degree Aggravated Harassment.
According to Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the 23-year-old allegedly pepper sprayed a 45-year-old Muslim Uber driver while he was praying in Arabic on Monday.
Guilbeault lunged forward toward the driver’s seat and sprayed his face with pepper spray, inflicting pain and burning sensations, as the driver started praying, officials said, citing court documents and statements made in court.
The attack occurred on July 31 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, near Central Park — the intersection of East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue, the release says.
Mahmud subsequently called 911 and Guilbeault was arrested. She has been formally charged by the state Supreme Court, and is set to return for a court appearance in January. Her attorney, Michael J. Alber, did not immediately respond to an email seeking 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.
The charges against Guilbeault include one count each of Assault in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime, Assault in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime and Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree.