NYC passenger indicted for hate crime after pepper spray attack on Muslim Uber driver: DA

Jennifer Guilbeault faces hate crime charges after allegedly attacking an Uber driver due to his race.

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, was indicted for assault as a hate crime after allegedly pepper-spraying her Muslim Uber driver, Shohel Mahmud, in an unprovoked attack on July 31 near Lexington Avenue and East 66th Street, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. 

Guilbeault faces charges of assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment. Bragg condemned the act, stating, “The victim is a hardworking New Yorker who should not have to face this type of hate because of his identity.” 

Mahmud, the 45-year-old driver, described the attack, explaining that Guilbeault suddenly sprayed him in the eyes, saying she did it because he is “brown.” 

A video circulating on social media shows Mahmud jumping out of the car in shock, thinking he was being robbed, only to be sprayed again when he returned to regain control of the vehicle. The father-of-three from Queens emphasized, “This is a hate crime.”

 

 

 

 

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Guilbeault was initially issued a desk ticket but was later indicted. Her attorney, Michael J. Alber, disputes the hate crime charge, claiming, “Ms. Guilbeault was not motivated by race, religion, national origin, or any other discriminatory factor.” 

He added, “This case needs to be looked at with all surrounding circumstances.” Guilbeault is scheduled to return to court on January 13.