CAIR-NY Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Assault on Muslim Uber Driver
(NEW YORK, NY, 10/29/2024) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the indictment of a Manhattan woman on hate crime charges for allegedly pepper spraying a Muslim Uber driver in anti-Muslim attack in July.
Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, faces charges of second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime, and aggravated harassment for allegedly spraying the driver after he began praying in Arabic at an intersection. When the woman’s friend asked why she attacked the driver, she allegedly responded, “he’s brown.”
“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,” said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher.
She noted that from January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints.
Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
CAIR-NY also welcomed this hate crime charge back in September.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006
Saira Amar, MPA, samar@cair.com