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

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

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, is charged with second- and third-degree assault as a hate crime and aggravated assault.

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

According to court documents and statements, on July 31, 2024, at approximately 12:15 a.m., the Uber driver was completing a trip for Guilbeault and another person, who were 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 a burning sensation, redness and pain.”

A few 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 simply doing his job,” District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. said. statement. “The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not have to deal with this kind of hate 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 activities and supporting victims.”

The district attorney’s office states that the allegations in the indictment are merely accusations and that the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.