Manhattan Woman Charged with Alleged Hate Crime for Alleged Anti-Muslim Pepper Attack on Uber Drive

On By Karl

The Manhattan woman was charged with second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.

Jennifer Guilbeault, a 23-year-old Manhattan woman, was indicted on hate crime charges following a violent, unprovoked attack on an Uber driver in New York City earlier this year. The incident sparked significant public outrage, highlighting the city’s ongoing problem of bias-motivated crime.

Event

The attack occurred around 12:15 a.m. on July 31, 2024, as 45-year-old Uber driver Shohel Mahmud was transporting Guilbeault and another passenger to Manhattan. According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on the Upper East Side after Mahmoud stopped briefly at a red light and began silently praying in Arabic. Without warning, Guilbeault allegedly jumped out of the backseat and pepper-sprayed Mahmoud in the face. Those moments were captured on camera footage as Guilbeault grabbed Mahmud’s arm and tried to spray him again, while Mahmud tried to escape from his grasp.

Mahmud, who felt burning, redness and pain in his eyes after the attack, was later injured in his neck, shoulder and back. He had to leave work for about two months due to visual impairment in his right eye.

Hate Crime Allegations and Legal Proceedings

Guilbeault was charged with second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime, and aggravated harassment. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office pursued hate crime charges following evidence that Guilbeault’s actions were racially motivated. Reports indicate that when Guilbeault’s friend questioned him about the attack, he allegedly responded, “Brown.”

On Monday, October 28, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg addressed the indictment, condemning the attack and its motives. “The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who should not face this kind of hatred because of who he is,” Bragg said, underscoring the city’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.

Guilbeault pleaded not guilty to the charges in State Supreme Court in Manhattan. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court again in January. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison for second-degree assault as a hate crime.

Impact on Victim

The attack dealt a heavy blow to Mahmud, who had been working as a carpool driver in New York since 2017. Describing the attack as terrible and traumatic, Mahmud stated that he initially thought he had been kidnapped. “I went completely crazy,” Mahmud recalled, describing his struggle to park the car amid the chaos. For Mahmoud, this incident marked the first time he had experienced such violence in his six years as a rideshare driver.

In the weeks following the attack, Mahmoud struggled with physical and emotional recovery. He feared for his safety and reduced his working hours to avoid further risks. Mahmud returned to driving two months later in late September but continues to struggle with the lasting effects of the attack.

Community Reaction and Increase in Hate Crimes

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the United States, welcomed the hate crime charges. CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher drew attention to the recent increase in anti-Muslim incidents across the country and underlined the importance of accountability in bias-motivated attacks.

“We welcome the hate crime charges in this case and thank law enforcement officials for sending a clear message that those who allegedly carry out bias-motivated attacks will face consequences,” Nasher said. CAIR’s data shows a 69% increase in bias complaints nationwide in 2024 compared to the previous year, with anti-Muslim incidents accounting for a significant portion.

Mahmud’s story highlighted the vulnerability of ride-sharing drivers and the need for stronger protection against hate crimes. As Guilbeault awaits trial, advocacy groups like CAIR-NY are highlighting the importance of both local and national efforts to combat discrimination and hate-based violence.

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