American woman charged for pepper spraying Muslim Uber driver

A video of a New York woman repeatedly pepper sprayed her Muslim Uber driver praying inside the car has emerged online. The attack occured on July 31, however, the woman has been indicted with perpetuating a hate crime, as per a recent press release by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, was indicted on multiple hate crime charges on October 28 for pepper-spraying a 45-year-old Muslim Uber driver, Shohel Mahmud, as he began praying in Arabic at a red light.

Court documents reveal that Jennifer was seen lunging forward towards the driver’s seat and spraying his face with pepper spray, inflicting pain and burning sensations, just after Shohel Mahmud started praying.

The driver subsequently called the police, and the woman was arrested.

She has now been formally charged by the local Court and is set to return for a court appearance in January.

CNN quotes Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who said, “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.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair) also welcomed the indication.

“We welcome the hate crime charges in this case and thank law enforcement authorities for sending a clear message that those who allegedly carry out bias-motivated attacks will face the consequences,” said Afaf Nasher, the Cair-NY executive director in a statement cited by The Guardian.