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Nov 04, 2024

Manhattan woman who pepper sprayed Muslim Uber driver unmasked as she insists: 'I'm no racist!'

By Emma Richter For Dailymail.Com 05:05 01 Nov 2024, updated 12:39 01 Nov 2024 Comments Comments The Manhattan woman who allegedly attacked a Muslim Uber driver with pepper spray has been identified

By Emma Richter For Dailymail.Com 05:05 01 Nov 2024, updated 12:39 01 Nov 2024

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The Manhattan woman who allegedly attacked a Muslim Uber driver with pepper spray has been identified as a public relations assistant and former sorority girl.

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, is accused of unleashing mace on 45-year-old Shohel Mahmud, during a hate-fueled late-night ride in Midtown Manhattan on July 31.

Now Guilbeault, through her lawyer, has snapped back after she was charged with a hate crime - vehemently denying the ordeal was motivated by race or religion.

Originally from Northbridge, Massachusetts, the woman attended Manhattan College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in public relations, advertising and applied communication.

She served as the VP Social Chair of her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, and during her college years, she was pictured dressing up for formals with her glamorous pals, spending a semester abroad, and receiving scholastic honors.

After graduating, she worked for D Pagan Communications - a public relations firm based out of Melville, New York - who confirmed her employment was terminated.

The company took to LinkedIn to condemn the incident, saying: 'We are aware of the actions of this former employee and we don’t condone this behavior.'

Her lawyer, Michael J. Alber, told DailyMail.com his client 'should not be charged with a hate crime' after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced her indictment Monday.

'This matter should not be charged as a hate crime. Ms. Guilbeault was not motivated by race, religion, national origin, or any other discriminatory factor,' Alber said.

'This case needs to be looked at with all surrounding circumstances which include assessing all of the evidence and lack of evidence,' adding that he and his client 'look forward' to examining the facts of the case.

'We look forward to working with the District Attorney's office to fully vet all of the facts in the proper forum, which does not embellish or exaggerate the claims, especially where the integrity and credibility of claims can properly be tested.

'A full and fair review of the evidence is going to show a crime was not committed in this matter, and that a rush to judgment is not appropriate, and is hurtful to all those involved,' Alber added.

Bragg said Guilbeault 'senselessly assaulted' Mahmud, who called 911 after experiencing painful burning and redness from the pepper spray.

'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,' Bragg added.

Dramatic dashcam footage captured the entire incident as Guilbeault allegedly lunged toward Mahmud and sprayed him in the face before pulling his arm back as he tried to push her off, while her friend sat in the backseat stunned by her actions.

Guilbeault and her friend sat in the backseat of the car as Mahmud spoke Arabic while stopped at a red light.

Guilbeault allegedly then snuck up from behind him and shoved the pepper spray in his face, as he tried to fight her off, repeatedly saying: 'What? what?'

She then attempted to hold his arm down inside the car as Mahmud managed to unbuckle himself and hopped out the driver's door.

As he did so, Guilbeault continued to point the mace at him while her confused friend said: 'Jen, Jen, what the f***?!'

Guilbeault then climbed in the front seat as the driver tried to sit back down, but soon ran out.

Mahmud held the door open as he stood outside of the vehicle, while Guilbeault repeatedly said 'get him out' as her friend held her back.

The panicked driver then asked her why she attacked him, as Guilbeault opened the backseat door and exited the car.

Afterward, her friend was heard yelling 'Jen, Jen, Jen! Why did you do that?' before the two women grabbed their bags and left.

Mahmud suffered injuries to his neck, back and shoulder, along with impaired vision in his right eye, according to The New York Times.

Driving since 2017, he said this was the first time he was attacked. Mahmud returned back behind the wheel in late September.

Following the announcement of hate crime charges, CAIR-NY, a chapter of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the country, said it 'welcomed' Guilbeault's indictment.

'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,' CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said Tuesday.

Guilbeault was indicted in New York State Supreme Court on one count each of second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime, and second-degree aggravated harassment.

She was arraigned in August on assault charges and assault as a hate crime, as Mahmud, a father of three from Queens, believes her actions were racially motivated. Guilbeault denied that allegation.

Guilbeault pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on Monday. She is set to return to court in January.

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