New York woman who pepper-sprayed Muslim Uber driver faces hate crime charges

(CNN) – A New York woman has been charged with a hate crime after she allegedly pepper-sprayed a Muslim Uber driver as he prayed, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, was charged with multiple hate crimes Monday after she allegedly pepper-sprayed a 45-year-old Uber driver while he began praying in Arabic, according to a press release from the district attorney's office.

Guilbeault jumped into the driver's seat and sprayed his face with pepper spray, causing pain and burning, while the driver began praying, officials said, citing court documents and statements made in court. The attack occurred July 31 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, near Central Park – the intersection of East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue, the release said.

Mahmud then called 911 and Guilbeault was arrested. She has been formally charged by the state Supreme Court and is expected to appear in court in January. Her attorney, Michael J. Alber, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

“As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly attacked a Muslim Uber driver while he was doing his job. The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not face this kind of hate because of who he is. Everyone is welcome to live and work in Manhattan,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The charges against Guilbeault include one count each of second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree aggravated harassment.

CNN has reached out to the NYPD for comment.

Bragg highlighted Manhattan's commitment to inclusivity and the Hate Crimes Unit's ongoing efforts to combat bias-based violence.